You cannot champion the Union by leaving Northern Ireland's chair empty

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows has said the DUP's decision to keep Northern Ireland out of tomorrow's Economic Forum in Glasgow punishes Northern Ireland, not Michelle O'Neill.

The Ulster Unionist Party Leader said:

“Tomorrow the Prime Minister and the leaders of Scotland and Wales will meet in Glasgow to talk about growth, investment and what the Union can deliver. Keeping Northern Ireland out of the room does not punish Michelle O'Neill. It punishes Northern Ireland and lets down everyone who believes in its future within the United Kingdom.

“Whatever the reason for the DUP's absence from Glasgow, it is an act of self-harm for our economy and our Union. We need a voice at the table with our Prime Minister and the other devolved leaders.

“If the deputy First Minister won't go, another Executive minister should. Health Minister Robbie Butler would be an obvious choice: someone who would go to Glasgow to make Northern Ireland's case, not to make a point.

“This week, the Ulster Unionist Party has been promoting the benefits of the United Kingdom: stronger economic and national security, shared opportunities and the contribution Northern Ireland makes to our collective success.

“That is what unionism should be doing: making the Union more secure and Northern Ireland more successful. You cannot champion the Union by leaving Northern Ireland's chair empty.”