UUP decision - we are better off inside the EU

The Ulster Unionist Party says it will recommend that Britain should stay in the European Union in the in-out referendum later this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Mar 2016, 15:26 BST
Updated 5th Mar 2016, 16:04 BST
Photo attached  Ulster Unionist delegation pictured outside Number 10, Downing Street before their meeting with the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP. L-R Lord Rogan; Jim Nicholson MEP; Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA; Tom Elliott MP; Lord EmpeyPhoto attached  Ulster Unionist delegation pictured outside Number 10, Downing Street before their meeting with the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP. L-R Lord Rogan; Jim Nicholson MEP; Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA; Tom Elliott MP; Lord Empey
Photo attached  Ulster Unionist delegation pictured outside Number 10, Downing Street before their meeting with the Prime Minister, David Cameron MP. L-R Lord Rogan; Jim Nicholson MEP; Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA; Tom Elliott MP; Lord Empey

The decision was taken at a special meeting of the party’s executive committee in Templepatrick on Saturday.

The party issued a statement saying that it believes, on balance, that this is better for Northern Ireland.

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However, it has stressed that party members are free to make their own choice when the vote is held on June 23.

“The Ulster Unionist Party believes that on balance Northern Ireland is better remaining in the European Union, with the U.K. Government pressing for further reform and a return to the founding principle of free trade, not greater political union. The party respects that individual members may vote for withdrawal on the 23rd of June.”

UUP leader Mike Nesbitt led a party delegation to Downing Street last month where they discussed a range of issues on Europe with Prime Minister David Cameron.

The UUP has joined the SDLP, Alliance and Sinn Fein is supporting a vote to remain in the EU.

The DUP has already declared that it will be backing a vote for Britain to leave.

Related topics:BritainUUPDowning StreetDavid CameronMike NesbittDUPNorthern IrelandGovernmentEurope