Unionists must plan together now to win any border poll, says DUP MP Gavin Robinson

However the East Belfast MP was at pains to point out that he was not for a second encouraging a border poll, but rather calling on unionists of all shades to get together to think about how to sell and defend the union in the event of such a referendum.

Mr Robinson was defending comments he gave to the Irish News, where he wholeheartedly backed comments from his former party leader Peter Robinson in 2018.

At that time Mr Robinson said that unionism needs to prepare for a border poll by outward engagement and making the case for the union, adding: “I don’t expect my house to burn down but I still insure it”.

At the time he accused unionist politicians of complacency in not making the case for the union and not preparing for a possible border poll, drawing accusations from some that discussing the issue was encouraging republicans to undermine the union.

However, today Gavin Robinson insisted his former leader was absolutely right in his approach, while pointing out that he himself never once mentioned or suggested a border poll in his interview.

“We can certainly have the discussion about how I do not see that as an inevitability at all,” the MP told BBC Talkback.

“But I did say that I think Peter is absolutely right that unionists should consider these things thoughtfully, that we should first and foremost - rather than engaging in discussions around a border poll - engage with one another.”

The aim would be to discuss where unionism is as a collective, how strong its bonds are and how they can be strengthened.

“How can we have thoughtful discussions about  not only assuring ourselves about our place within the union, but to extoll the benefits to others within our society, who poll after poll show that they see the strength of the union.”

The union is supported right across the Province of NI in significant numbers, he said.

“So how do we maturely and positively reflect those benefits and solidify and cement the foundation that we have?“

He agreed that he totally supported Peter Robinson’s comments from 2018.

“It is important that those of us who believe in the union and who value the relationship between the four nations that make up the great union that we have, think about these things talk and engage with each other on these things.”

He said the fact that unionism was often described as disparate and fractious, at times, made such conversations all the more important.

He also firmly rejected suggestions that he was considering a bid for the DUP leadership.

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