UUP not involved in negotiations

As a Party the UUP is still not formally involved in negotiations. We have warned all along that this outcome was inevitable due to the failure to include ourselves and indeed the SDLP in negotiations.

Now that both Governments are going to intervene I want to make it clear that the UUP will not sign up to any negotiations handed down by any other parties. We will not stand over two-tier talks.

As we have repeatedly stated, we believe that negotiations need to take place between all parties. Yes this may broaden the process as all parties seek to put their agenda on the table, but as we have seen this is the only option for long term stability in Northern Ireland. That is what we need to achieve - not short term political point scoring or bullying from one party.

The Ulster Unionist Party therefore stands ready. We want to actively be involved in bringing this process to a successful conclusion