Jon Burrows: Unionism must think smarter and build something stronger for the long term

That requires honesty about where political unionism has fallen short. Too often, short-term tactics have substituted for long-term strategy. Shouting loudly may generate headlines and applause, but volume is not influence, and protest alone is not a serious plan.

There have been strategic errors. When the assembly was reduced from 108 members to 90, the resulting losses fell overwhelmingly on unionism. Unionism can no longer command a majority in an assembly vote. That weakness is compounded when Alliance sides with Sinn Féin on key issues.

The Review of Public Administration also reduced unionist representation in local government. More recently, the post-Brexit negotiations were mishandled and the safeguards subsequently negotiated were oversold. People were assured there would be no Irish Sea border, checks or paperwork. Those assurances proved untrue, and public trust suffered.

Learning from these failures is not recrimination. I do not cite them simply because they happened under DUP leadership. Political movements that endure are those who learn, and every unionist party has lessons to confront.

Unionism must become more strategic, more disciplined and more focused on long-term outcomes while continuing to deliver practical results in the present.

We should begin our strongest hand available to us: the compelling case for the Union itself.

I am a passionate unionist. I feel British and Northern Irish, and identity matters deeply to me. But our case cannot rest on identity alone. We must explain what the Union means in everyday life, particularly to those who do not approach the constitutional question through inherited allegiance.

In an uncertain world, Northern Ireland is safer within the United Kingdom. We benefit from highly capable armed forces, sophisticated intelligence and security services, and policing support from across the UK when required. From drug trafficking and cyberattacks to terrorism and geopolitical instability, we are more secure within the Union.

We also enjoy peace under a constitutional settlement that has transformed the security situation. Peace is not an argument for constitutional change. It is a powerful argument for maintaining the settlement that made it possible.

The economic case must also be made clearly. Groceries, energy, housing and rents are more affordable here than in the Republic. Northern Ireland receives substantial support from the Treasury and benefits from being part of one of the world’s largest economies.

We must continue pressing the government for fair funding and strategic investment. But if unionists constantly portray Northern Ireland as neglected, we risk making republicanism’s case for it. We should acknowledge the support we receive, insist that it’s allocated fairly and demonstrate that we can manage public money wisely.

When others describe Northern Ireland as a failed place or a basket case, our response must be factual, confident and persuasive.

Northern Ireland is not a failed place. We have globally competitive businesses, exceptionally skilled workers, world-class agri-food and advanced manufacturing, thriving creative industries, outstanding universities and a strong tourism offering. Unionism should be Northern Ireland’s most energetic champion.

That requires us to communicate differently, both in tone and substance. We must reach people on the platforms where they spend their time and speak about the realities shaping their lives: finding an affordable home, securing a university place, building a career, starting a business and raising a family.

The brain drain should concern every political leader, but it should concern unionism particularly. Too many talented young people leave for university, training or employment in Great Britain because the opportunities they need are unavailable here. Many never return.

We must expand our skills base, increase higher education opportunities and create more high-quality jobs so that leaving Northern Ireland becomes a choice, not a necessity.

Our relationships at Westminster must also be constructive. Positive engagement builds understanding, influence and kinship across the United Kingdom. I have seen the value of Robin Swann’s relationship-building in London. Unionism needs more of it.

Strategic thinking also applies throughout civic life. Exemplary behaviour at parades denies critics the opportunity to misrepresent them. Two or three badly managed bonfires can be used to eclipse thousands of peaceful, lawful and respectful celebrations. Leadership means doing the right thing while also understanding how individual actions can affect the wider cause.

We must also ask why too few young unionists are pursuing careers in law, journalism, academia and the wider media. The future requires thought leaders capable of shaping debate, challenging assumptions and presenting our case with confidence.

None of this means becoming timid.

We must relentlessly challenge Sinn Féin when it undermines confidence in Northern Ireland. We must resist every attempt to rewrite history by equating veterans and former RUC officers with the terrorists who targeted them. We must defend our communities strongly, maintain the highest standards within our own ranks and confront uncomfortable truths wherever they arise.

Yet most of the challenges facing people transcend background and constitutional aspiration. People want safe communities, excellent public services, rewarding jobs and the opportunity to build a business, own a home, raise a family and enjoy their lives.

Making Northern Ireland work is not separate from strengthening the Union. It is the central task.

A successful and confident and outward-looking Northern Ireland will provide the most powerful and enduring case for remaining within the United Kingdom.

That is the smarter unionism our times demand: proud but persuasive, resolute but strategic, honest about past mistakes and ambitious for the future.

Our duty is not merely to preserve what we inherited. It is to build something stronger and more successful for the generations still to come.

l Jon Burrows is leader of the Ulster Unionist Party and a North Antrim MLA