The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) is considering an invitation from Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson to engage in discussions regarding unionist cooperation. This invitation follows the announcement that Jon Burrows is the sole candidate to succeed Mike Nesbitt as the leader of the UUP. Robinson’s outreach aims to explore shared interests among unionist parties, a strategy that has previously led to electoral successes.
Robinson’s email to DUP members emphasized the need for solidarity among unionist factions. He cited the UUP’s victory in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Westminster seat in 2015, where Tom Elliott narrowly defeated the Sinn Féin candidate. Sinn Féin currently holds the most seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly, having secured seven seats in the recent March 2024 Westminster election, compared to the DUP’s five.
In a statement released on Saturday, a UUP spokesperson acknowledged the invitation and indicated that the new leadership team would assess any meeting requests based on their potential benefit to Northern Ireland and its residents. They reiterated the party’s commitment to constructive dialogue aimed at enhancing the interests of the Union.
The spokesperson noted, “We have engaged in previous talks on unionist cooperation with our unionist colleagues, repeatedly in good faith.” They also expressed awareness of past decisions made by unionist leaders which have not yielded positive outcomes for the Union. “That history informs our desire to offer the electorate a clear choice,” they added.
Robinson’s communication also addressed what he termed Sinn Féin’s “fervent desire to bring about the removal of Northern Ireland from the UK.” He articulated his commitment to ensuring that unionism does not miss the opportunity to prepare for future challenges. “I support and want to reflect the desire across the grassroots of unionism to see unionist representatives and their political parties working together to promote the Union,” he stated.
The DUP leader emphasized that a united unionist front would enhance their political influence. He remarked, “The truth is that if unionism has more seats, it will have more power to get things done.” Conversely, he warned that a divided unionist movement could lead to a reduction in seats and influence.
Robinson confirmed that he had formally invited Burrows to meet and discuss potential collaboration. “I look forward to working with Jon Burrows to see how our parties could cooperate and work towards building greater support for the Union,” he said. He reiterated the importance of presenting a united front both locally and on the national stage.
Earlier this month, Burrows expressed his vision for the UUP, stating that while he is open to unionist cooperation, he does not support a merger with other parties. “I want the Ulster Unionist Party to once again be the biggest party in Northern Ireland. That’s my ambition,” he declared. He highlighted the need for the UUP to embody reasonableness, decency, and integrity, and to focus on practical solutions to the challenges faced by the people of Northern Ireland.
As the political landscape in Northern Ireland continues to evolve, the potential for collaboration among unionist parties could play a significant role in shaping future electoral outcomes and governance.
