A Party Spokesperson said,

“Ulster Unionist MLAs have signed the Petition of Concern to ensure it reaches the required threshold, reflecting our serious concerns about Sinn Féin’s motion on EU Observer status. This is not about placating the DUP; it is about addressing the consequences of their strategic missteps and protecting the integrity of our constitutional arrangements.

“The decision by the people of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union has had far-reaching and disruptive consequences, particularly for Northern Ireland. Our Party, the only Unionist Party to advocate remaining in the EU,  warned of slower growth, diminished global influence, and the strain on existing treaties. Those warnings have proven accurate.

“Lord Murphy’s report makes clear that Northern Ireland needs greater capacity to engage with EU institutions, including strengthening the NI Office in Brussels and Assembly departments. That is where our focus should be on improving awareness and early intervention.

“Sinn Féin’s political stunt is aimed at undermining the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and advancing a united Ireland agenda. EU Parliament Observer status is reserved for accession states under Article 13 of its Rules of Procedure. Attempts to suggest otherwise are legally baseless and constitutionally reckless.

“This Petition of Concern is about protecting the 1998 settlement. We should unite in challenging the EU and UK Government to dismantle the Irish Sea border,  a costly, bureaucratic barrier that harms businesses, farmers, and consumers. That is the real priority, not unconstitutional majoritarian gestures.”