McGuinness: Transferring welfare powers to Westminster would be 'huge mistake'

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has warned that it would be a "huge mistake" if Westminster was to take financial control of welfare powers in Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers said she could not rule out legislating on welfare matters following Tuesday night's rejection of the Welfare Reform Bill.

Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Green Party made a petition of concern, a blocking mechanism, that meant it did not get the required cross-community support.