DUP calls for a joint strategy among unionist parties while TUV stresses 'common platform' is dependent on sea border being a priority

The TUV has responded that “a common platform” is dependent on recognising “the serious threat of the protocol”.

The UUP has yet to respond.

It stems from a recent edition of the Orange Standard, the Orange Order’s monthly newsletter.

In it, DUP MLA Maurice Bradley had penned saying “for too long, Unionism has been held back by apathy, internal division, and a lack of strategic direction,” adding that “division between the DUP, UUP and TUV continues to weaken our position”.

"We are losing influence not through lack of support, but through lack of coordination,” he said.

He went on to add: “A Unionist Convention, bringing together all strands of Unionism, is now essential.

"From that, a clear and shared strategy must emerge.

"Unity does not mean uniformity, but it does require discipline, co-operation, and a willingness to place the greater good above individual or party interest.”

The Great Unionist Convention of 1892 a rally held in Belfast to oppose Irish Home Rule.

The DUP was asked what its idea for a unionist convention now would entail, and what kind of pan-unionist co-ordination it has in mind.

It responded with a statement from Jonathan Buckley MLA, the director of elections, saying: “At the last Assembly election, intra-unionist divisions made Andrew Muir the agriculture minister.

"There were enough pro-union votes in North Antrim to elect four MLAs but only three were elected with SF and Alliance taking the other two seats.

"There were carbon copies of that situation in other constituencies as well.

“As we move towards the 2027 Assembly and Council elections, there needs to be honest engagement across the wider unionist family to secure the strongest possible outcome for pro-Union voters.”

Gavin Robinson wants to “explore how greater cooperation can happen in practice” before then, Mr Buckley added.

The TUV responded with a statement saying: “Unionism was united around the Ulster Day Declaration which pledged ‘unalterable’ opposition to the Protocol.

"Indeed, that was the basis upon which Mr Bradley won his Assembly seat.”

However, it accused the DUP of a “breach of trust” on this issue.

"Moving forward, of course there is potential for Unionist cooperation, particularly when it comes to Westminster elections and transfers in the upcoming Assembly poll.

"However; wider agreement and a common platform will only be possible if the serious threat of the Protocol is recognised.

"The very Union is being trashed while some implement is through the Stormont executive."

The Ulster Day Declaration was on September 28, 2021 (the anniversary of the Ulster Covenant) and saw the leaders of the DUP, UUP, TUV and PUP sign a declaration saying they “affirm our opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol, its mechanisms and structures and reaffirm our unalterable position that the protocol must be rejected and replaced by arrangements which fully respect Northern Ireland’s position as a constituent and integral part of the United Kingdom”.

A press release announcing the declaration has since been removed from the DUP website.