The new UUP leader Jon Burrows has told DUP leader Gavin Robinson that he would be ‘open to constructive cooperation that best serves the union and the people of Northern Ireland’.
It comes after Mr Robinson wrote to the new Ulster Unionist leader, inviting him to speak with the DUP about ‘greater co-operation within our unionist family’.
A spokesperson for the UUP said: “Mr Burrows reflected on his recent appointment as Ulster Unionist Party Leader, noting the strong and positive response from members and supporters across Northern Ireland. He described it as an energising moment for the party and for wider Unionism, and said the focus now is on harnessing that renewed momentum to strengthen and advance the pro-Union cause.”
“He committed to leading with confidence, outward looking ambition, and a clear focus on delivering tangible benefits for people.”
“Reflecting on the last two decades, he pointed to a series of consequential strategic decisions that have weakened Unionism’s position, including local government reform, the reduction in the number of MLAs, and the handling of Brexit which led to the Irish Sea Border. These, he argued, have had a cumulative impact on Unionist morale, our collective electoral performance and confidence among pro-Union voters. These are consequences that the Ulster Unionist Party forewarned about in relation to these strategic missteps.”
“Mr Burrows stressed the need for better long term thinking within Unionism, learning from lessons of the past, and taking practical steps to maximise collective performance at elections. He described Unionist apathy as a challenge that political leaders must address proactively and collectively in the best interests of the Union.”
“Ultimately, Mr Burrows reiterated his focus on securing the best future for Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. He called for a clear and credible electoral choice for voters, while remaining open to constructive cooperation that best serves the Union and the people of Northern Ireland. He underlined the shared responsibility of Unionist leaders to encourage higher turnout and convert pro-Union votes into the maximum possible representation in councils, the Assembly, and Westminster.”
