Burrows denies 'deals done' to block NI minimum criminal age rise (opens original article in a new tab)

Jon Burrows denied political deals over a petition of concern blocking Northern Ireland's plan to raise the minimum criminal age from 10 to 14, which now requires cross-community support for voting.

• Jon Burrows denied any political deals were made to sign a petition of concern blocking the rise in Northern Ireland's minimum criminal age from 10 to 14.
• The petition of concern requires cross-community support and now triggers a 14-day consideration period before voting on the amendment.
• The proposed legislation aims to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 14, with exceptions for serious crimes like murder at age 12.