DUP MLA Deborah Erskine has criticized the UK government for delaying two key growth deals in Northern Ireland, calling the situation "shameful."

Speaking at Stormont on Tuesday, Mrs. Erskine highlighted the ongoing pause on funding for the Mid South West and Causeway Coast and Glens growth deals, the only two projects in Northern Ireland currently on hold under the Labour government.

Erskine, whose constituency falls under the Mid South West deal, said it represents three council areas and was set to receive the highest level of investment outside Belfast. She warned that the delay risks widening regional inequality.

"Without a decision to proceed, inequality and regional imbalance will be further widened," she said.

Erskine also emphasized the DUP’s role in securing city and growth deals as part of the confidence-and-supply agreement and vowed that the party would continue to fight for fair funding across all regions of Northern Ireland.

She noted that her area was scheduled to sign its heads of terms last week, following an event in Dungannon attended by the First Minister, deputy First Minister, and Finance Minister.

However, the deal remains in limbo due to the funding pause.