Empey predicts multi-party talks

Sir Reg Empey believes the government will hold talks

The Ulster Unionist leader has said he expects the prime minister to hold multi-party talks in a bid to break the deadlock between the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Speaking on Inside Politics, Sir Reg Empey said he believed talks would be held in September and a crisis would be averted.

He also predicted there would be a compromise on the transfer of policing and justice powers to Stormont.

"The point might be set where a date is set or a shadow period is invoked."

"It's a classic Sinn Fein negotiating position they want a package deal for all the outstanding tissues and that's where they intend to bring the pressure to bear," he added.

"I think that you will find that at the end of the day the outcome will be some move on policing and justice."