‘No substantive response yet’ from new UUP leader to DUP talks invitation

There has been no “substantive response” from new UUP leader Jon Burrows to an invitation for talks around unionist co-operation with the DUP.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson extended the invitation to Mr Burrows in mid January after he emerged as the sole contender to succeed Mike Nesbitt as leader of the UUP.

Mr Robinson said he had invited then leader-elect Mr Burrows to discuss areas of co-operation.

Then, a UUP spokesperson said the party would consider the invitation.

It comes after Sinn Fein historically became the biggest political party in Northern Ireland for the first time.

The party became entitled to nominate its vice president Michelle O’Neill to become the first nationalist First Minister in 2022 after topping the Assembly election poll. She took up the role in 2024 following the restoration of devolved government after a two-year collapse.

In the past, some parties have agreed to step aside in specific constituencies in a bid to maximise the unionist vote and secure seats.

Under that approach, the UUP’s Tom Elliott won the Fermanagh and South Tyrone Westminster seat in 2015, narrowly defeating the Sinn Fein candidate.

On Monday, Mr Robinson said unionist co-operation talks have not taken place and that he is awaiting a “substantial response”.

“I look forward to speaking to Jon in due course and, when I do, when he responds substantively, I don’t intend to provide a running commentary, but we have yet to have those conversations,” he told media at Stormont on Monday.

“Of course, invitations and the willingness for unionist co-operation don’t solely rest with one person. I’ve had conversations with Ulster Unionist Assembly members over the last number of weeks.

“I have had conversations with other like-minded unionists who believe there is a benefit in co-operation and understand that division costs.”