Nesbitt resigns as Stormont Health Minister

Mike Nesbitt resigned as Northern Ireland's Health Minister following a disagreement with United Kingdom — Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows over the proposed withdrawal of emergency general surgery from Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. Burrows publicly opposed the plan, which Nesbitt had not yet confirmed he would implement. Nesbitt accused Burrows of introducing a second red line and of learning about his views through the media. Burrows expressed disappointment and said he would name a successor within 24 hours, not ruling himself out. The United Kingdom — Democratic Unionist Party would be next in line to nominate if the UUP declined. Health bodies expressed alarm, and the United Kingdom — Northern Ireland's Health Committee convened an emergency meeting.