UUP to 'consider' unionist unity talks invitation

The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has suggested its incoming leader will "consider" meeting the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) for talks on unionist co-operation.

Jon Burrows, who is on course to become the UUP's next leader, has been invited to take part in talks by the DUP leader Gavin Robinson.

Robinson has told his own party members that he has written to Burrows setting out the DUP's position and inviting him to meet.

Asked for its response, the UUP said it new leadership team "will consider any request to meet, judged against what is best for Northern Ireland and its people".

However, a UUP spokesperson pointed out that their party had been involved in previous talks on unionist co-operation.

They said the UUP knew "all too well when others are engaging in good faith or when self preservation is on their mind".

"We are also mindful that decisions taken over the last 20 years by some within unionist leadership have failed to deliver for the union but rather have championed the largest of strategic mistakes," the UUP statement said.

"That history informs our desire to offer the electorate a clear choice."

Burrows, a former senior officer in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) joined the party last summer.

He has been a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly (MLA) since July when he was co-opted to replace Colin Crawford in North Antrim.

Earlier this week, Burrows was confirmed as the sole contender to replace Mike Nesbitt who is stepping down as UUP leader after his second stint in the role.

Burrows became the only candidate after the party's deputy leader Robbie Butler confirmed he would not compete for the role.

Nominations closed on Thursday, with an extraordinary general meeting set for 31 January to choose a new leader and deputy leader.

Robinson, in an email to DUP members, said he wanted to "reflect the desire across grassroots unionism to see unionist representatives and their political parties working together to promote the union".

He added unionism's "collective voice and clout will be stronger if it works together".

"A divided and fractious unionism without co-operation will cost seats and our collective influence will diminish", Robinson wrote.

Asked to respond to the invitation, the UUP said it was "an exciting time for Ulster unionism as we embark on a new chapter that will engage and refocus our efforts on a confident and pragmatic unionism".

"As a party, we look forward to setting out our vision for Northern Ireland and the union in the months ahead and invite all unionists to join us in this endeavour."

The UUP statement added: "Our new leadership team will consider any request to meet, judged against what is best for Northern Ireland and its people.

"We remain committed to advancing the interests of the Union through constructive dialogue that benefits all."

Burrows has previously indicated his support for closer unionist cooperation.

It comes after Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Alister said he was also open to talks with the new UUP leader about closer unionist co-operation.

In the past unionist parties have agreed to step aside in some constituencies like Fermanagh South Tyrone and support a single candidate to maximise the unionist vote.

But talks have also broken down ahead of previous elections, with failure to reach agreement on wider electoral pacts.

Sinn Féin is currently the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly which entitles it to more ministerial positions on the executive and also the office of first minister.

In his email to members Robinson had warned about Sinn Fein's "fervent desire to bring about the removal of Northern Ireland from the UK".