Ulster Unionist Health spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, has stated that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson must not continue to watch from the sidelines while Sammy Wilson, Ian Paisley and other DUP representatives run amok with regards to public health messaging.

Mr Chambers said:

“Last week I asked the DUP to clarify their position on its support for vaccination because similarly to their disjointed approach to face coverings, the DUP is speaking out of both sides of its mouth on vaccination.

“I asked the following questions:

·       Is it DUP policy to support vaccination and encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19? If so, are all DUP elected representatives expected to adhere to this policy?

·       Does the DUP support the provision of COVID-19 vaccination for 12-17 year olds, as recommended by the JCVI? If so, do all DUP elected representatives support this policy?

·       Will the DUP affirm that the current COVID-19 vaccines are ethical and reject any insinuations to the contrary from within its own ranks?”

“Nearly a week later and those questions remain unanswered. While Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Paul Givan have been rightly extolling the benefits of booster doses, some of their party colleagues continue to be less than supportive of vaccination. There hasn`t been a word of admonishment from Sir Jeffrey Donaldson for DUP colleagues who have questioned the ethics of the current vaccines.

“Sir Jeffrey Donaldson must not continue to watch from the sidelines while Sammy Wilson, Ian Paisley and other DUP representatives are running amok with regards to public health messaging.”