The Prime Minister has brushed off reports that his chief of staff Sue Gray was causing division in Labour over her support for the funding of Casement Park as “complete nonsense”.
Earlier this month Stormont permanent secretary Ms Gray was linked to fresh British government efforts to bridge the funding gap for Casement Park
The west Belfast facility has been earmarked as one of the venues to host the Euro 2028 football tournament.
However, there is currently a significant shortfall in funding for the project.
Both the Stormont Executive and the Irish government have committed funding for the project, but controversy remains over the UK government’s previously pledged financial package, as estimated costs have spiralled.
When asked if he thought Euro 2028 would be played at Casement Park and whether Sue Gray has had any influence Sir Keir dismissed the claims as “complete nonsense”.
“I think that is complete nonsense and I hope that is clear enough,” he said.
“The decision is a political decision. The key challenges at the moment I think are well known particularly in Norther Ireland, which are the timing in relation to the Euros and the cost.
“They are issues we are looking at very carefully and as I say we will try to say more in due course.”
The Stormont executive has pledged £62.5m, the Irish government has allocated £42.8m and the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has pledged £15m, which amounts to less than half of the estimated cost.
The Prime Minister was on a visit to the north on Monday to discuss the recent riots with the head of the PSNI.
At least 20 police officers were injured in a spate of violent incidents across early August in Northern Ireland.
