Jon Burrows responds to DUP letter on unionist co-operation - saying party's decisions 'weakened Unionism’s position'

The UUP leader says he has outlined his “determination to rebuild confidence in Unionism and deliver practical results for Northern Ireland”.

The letter itself has not been made public, but in a statement the party said that Mr Burrows “reflected on his recent appointment” and said the “strong and positive response” from members and supporters was “an energising moment for the party and for wider Unionism”.

He told the DUP leader that “the focus now is on harnessing that renewed momentum to strengthen and advance the pro-Union cause”.

The UUP statement said that Mr Burrows “pointed to a series of consequential strategic decisions” over the past two decades which have “weakened Unionism’s position, including local government reform, the reduction in the number of MLAs, and the handling of Brexit which led to the Irish Sea Border”.

He said these have had a cumulative impact on Unionist morale, our collective electoral performance and confidence among pro-Union voters – “strategic missteps” the UUP had “forewarned” about.

UUP statement in full:

“In a letter to the DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP, Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA outlined his determination to rebuild confidence in Unionism and deliver practical results for Northern Ireland.

“Mr Burrows reflected on his recent appointment as Ulster Unionist Party Leader, noting the strong and positive response from members and supporters across Northern Ireland. He described it as an energising moment for the party and for wider Unionism, and said the focus now is on harnessing that renewed momentum to strengthen and advance the pro-Union cause.

“He committed to leading with confidence, outward looking ambition, and a clear focus on delivering tangible benefits for people.

“Reflecting on the last two decades, he pointed to a series of consequential strategic decisions that have weakened Unionism’s position, including local government reform, the reduction in the number of MLAs, and the handling of Brexit which led to the Irish Sea Border. These, he argued, have had a cumulative impact on Unionist morale, our collective electoral performance and confidence among pro-Union voters. These are consequences that the Ulster Unionist Party forewarned about in relation to these strategic missteps.

“Mr Burrows stressed the need for better long term thinking within Unionism, learning from lessons of the past, and taking practical steps to maximise collective performance at elections. He described Unionist apathy as a challenge that political leaders must address proactively and collectively in the best interests of the Union.

“Ultimately, Mr Burrows reiterated his focus on securing the best future for Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. He called for a clear and credible electoral choice for voters, while remaining open to constructive cooperation that best serves the Union and the people of Northern Ireland. He underlined the shared responsibility of Unionist leaders to encourage higher turnout and convert pro-Union votes into the maximum possible representation in councils, the Assembly, and Westminster”.