Woodward's 'neutrality' comments have consequences for Hillsborough deal

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott MLA has called on Secretary of State Shaun Woodward to retract his comments that the Government was 'neutral' on the Union.

Mr. Elliott said, "This Labour Government is not neutral when it comes to the Union with Scotland. Gordon Brown and many members of his cabinet have publicly declared their support for Scotland's place in the Union.

"When it comes to this part of the United Kingdom, however, Labour has different rules. Shaun Woodward has declared that he doesn't care if Northern Ireland remains in the Union or not. The fact that Mr. Woodward saw fit to make this statement at a very sensitive time in the political process cannot be overlooked. It certainly will be borne in mind as the UUP considers the outcome of the Hillsborough talks.

"When Taoiseach Brian Cowan participated in the talks at Hillsborough, no-one asked him for a declaration of neutrality regarding Northern Ireland's constitutional position. As the leader of Fianna Fail, Mr. Cowan is a nationalist, aspiring to unification. It is little less than pathetic that the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland feels unable to similarly articulate its interest in maintaining the Union for as a long as a democratic majority in Northern Ireland wish for it to be maintained.

"Mr. Woodward's comments, of course, are part of a highly partisan attempt to undermine the relationship between the UUP and our historic sister party, the Conservatives. In stark contrast to Shaun Woodward, David Cameron has declared that he wishes to be PM of the entire United Kingdom - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. At UUP conferences David Cameron and William Hague have declared their commitment to the Union.

"Shaun Woodward's declaration that this Government is neutral on the Union both undermines confidence at this delicate time in the political process and gives pro-Union voters yet another reason to support Conservative and Ulster Unionist candidates at the forthcoming General Election - ensuring that the next Government of the United Kingdom actually supports the Union."