UUP contests DUP claim that unity talks set to happen: Other party must end internal disputes first, says Jon Burrows
The UUP have contested a DUP claim that they’re set to go into negotiations over potential unity, maintaining that they’re open to talks but not definitely entering them.
In a statement this evening DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley said his party leader Gavin Robinson is set for talks with Ulster Unionist chief Jon Burrows centred around “greater unionist cooperation and unity”.
In a statement posted to social media, the Upper Bann politician said both party heads had “agreed to engage in constructive talks”.
But that wasn’t the UUP’s position, with Mr Burrows stating the Democratic Unionists need to sort out their own internal disputes before any negotiations.
“Talks will only be productive once the DUP has resolved its own difficulties and can come to the table with an agreed approach rather than as a divided party,” he said, adding that unionist unity would only work for him if it grows support rather than merely managing votes the parties already have.
Meanwhile TUV leader Jim Allister appeared to pour cold water on a unity call Mr Buckley made in the News Letter over the weekend, raising issues with Stormont and the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Mr Buckley has stated his call has sparked a dirty tricks campaign against him.