A 'moment of opportunity' for unionists must be seized to secure the UK for years to come

Gavin Robinson says there is a “moment of opportunity” for unionist co-operation which must be seized, to ensure Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom for years to come .

The DUP leader said that “no party leader who has the best long-term interests of promoting the union at heart should rule out any option on how our objectives might best be achieved”.

placeholder image — DUP leader Gavin Robinson speaks to the media during a press conference in the Great Hall, Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Mr Robinson has invited the incoming UUP leader Jon Burrows for talks on unionist co-operation. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

The comments come amid increased discussion on the future of unionism ahead of next year’s Stormont elections, and the news this week that the Orange Order has been facilitating meetings between the DUP, UUP and TUV leaders.

However, the UUP has encouraged all unionists to join its efforts to build a “confident and pragmatic unionism” – telling the DUP that is has failed to deliver for the Union and “championed the largest of strategic mistakes” over the past 20 years.

The comments came after Gavin Robinson invited incoming UUP boss Jon Burrows to talks to discuss strengthening “pro-Union co-operation” and returning more unionists at elections. The DUP leader had said he stands ready “to act in the widest interests of the Pro-Union cause and to work across the unionist spectrum”.

In his latest comments on unionist unity, made to a DUP meeting in West Belfast where unionism currently has no representation at Stormont, Mr Robinson said that “with co-operation, determination and an emphasis on community Unionism can again win in this area”.

The East Belfast MP said decisions taken in the next few years “will determine whether unionism enters the next decade on the front foot or looks back at missed chances. It will shape Northern Ireland”.

TUV leader Jim Allister says the decision of his rivals to re-enter Stormont without the removal of the Irish Sea border damaged unionist unity. Earlier this week he denied “one-to-one” talks with Gavin Robinson, after the DUP boss said the pair had discussions.

Mervyn Gibson told the News Letter this week that the Orange Order has hosted meetings between the leaders of the three parties on “various matters” – and that co-operation has been discussed, but Mike Nesbitt missed the most recent one.