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DUP News Update - 11th October 2019


** The UK must leave the EU as one nation
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Speaking after discussions between the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach, Party Leader Arlene Foster MLA said,

"Those discussions are a matter for the United Kingdom Government as they negotiate Brexit issues. However the Democratic Unionist Party, given its pivotal role in Parliament, and as the largest Northern Ireland party will always exercise our considerable influence in ensuring we stand up for Northern Ireland. We will only ever consider supporting arrangements that are in Northern Ireland’s long-term economic and constitutional interests.

We are regularly in touch with the Prime Minister and as a result he is aware of our views.

The United Kingdom EU referendum result delivered the people’s verdict and it must be delivered. To do otherwise would be anti-democratic.

We have been consistent in our opposition to the backstop, whether UK or NI only, and anything that traps Northern Ireland in the European Union, whether Single Market or Customs Union, as the rest of the United Kingdom leaves will not have our support. The Prime Minister is very mindful of that.

We have argued that it is important to secure a balanced and sensible deal as we leave the European Union. Those who know anything about Northern Ireland will appreciate that these issues will only work with the support of the unionist as well as the nationalist community.

The DUP has always indicated that the United Kingdom must leave the EU as one nation and in so doing that no barriers to trade are erected within the UK.

In December 2017 we insisted that democratic consent was required in circumstances where Northern Ireland would align alongside specific sectors of the EU single market.

Paragraph 50 of the Joint Report between the United Kingdom and the European Union outlined the requirement for such consent. We have held steadfast to that position whilst recognising the need to be flexible and look at Northern Ireland specific solutions achieved with the support and consent of the representatives of the people of Northern Ireland.

In order to secure a sensible deal for everyone it is important that the European Union understand that to maximise the prospects of agreement there will need to be a clear acceptance that the economic and constitutional integrity of the whole of the United Kingdom will have to be respected as we leave.

As a consequence of the mandate given to us by voters in 2017 the DUP is very relevant in the Parliamentary arithmetic and regardless of the ups and downs of the Brexit discussions that has not changed.

We will judge any outcome reached by the Prime Minister against the criteria above.”


** Recall the Assembly now
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Jeffrey Donaldson MP calling for the Assembly to be recalled
Earlier this week in Parliament, Lagan Valley MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson called on the Secretary of State to convene a sitting of the Assembly to allow local representatives to govern and deal with legislation relating to Northern Ireland.

Speaking in the House of Commons he said, "There is a date looming on the horizon, the 21st October whereby certain laws will be enacted flowing from the Executive Formation Act. Those measures will fundamentally change the law in Northern Ireland on both abortion and marriage in a way which lacks public scrutiny, in a way that has not allowed for consultation with the people of Northern Ireland and crucially which has not allowed the elected representatives of the people of Northern Ireland ot have their say on the law in those crucial areas.

We believe the Secretary of State should convene a meeting of the Assembly before 21st October. Invite the political parties from Northern Ireland to come, nominate Ministers and allow the proper functioning of devolved government once again in Northern Ireland. The DUP will respond positively to such an invitation and get on with the job the people elected us to do, to govern and deal with legislation relevant to Northern Ireland.

He concluded, "I say to Sinn Fein, who say they will not accept Direct Rule. If they do not want Direct Rule then there is one step they can take and must take and that is to join with the other parties in forming an Executive and deal with the outstanding issues that need to be addressed, but the people of Northern Ireland want a government and the sooner the better."


** Deal on Wrightbus site welcomed
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North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has welcomed the announcement of an agreement for the sale of the Wrightbus site in Ballymena.

This morning Jo Bamford, who has been in talks to buy the business said,

“We are delighted to announce that this morning I have agreed terms on a deal in principle with the Wright family for the Wrightbus factory and land.

We are still to conclude a deal with the administrators but are pleased to report this important step in the right direction.

I would like to thank Ian Paisley MP for his hard work and diligence in helping to mediate what has at times been a tricky negotiation.”


Local MP Ian Paisley said,

"I welcome the announcement today by Jo Bamford that after weeks of hard work a deal has now been made on the Wrightbus sight and final arrangements are being concluded with the administrator to take over Wrightbus and get men and women back to work building busses in Ballymena.

I am delighted that after asking Jo Bamford to consider Ballymena as a location for a significant business investment this has resulted in this deal.

The farm land that will be a legacy to William Wright’s industrial prowess is a fitting tribute to him and i know that Jo Bamford will work with the council on making sure that is used accordingly. To the workers of Ballymena I salute your fortitude and patience and hope you are never put through something like this again."


** Northern Ireland cannot be the EU's bargaining chip
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Diane Dodds MEP speaking in Brussels this week.

DUP MEP Diane Dodds once again reiterated this week that Northern Ireland and its people are not a bargaining chip for the EU’s Brexit negotiations. Speaking during a debate in the European Parliament Diane said:

“On 31st October the United Kingdom is scheduled to leave the European Union.

We must leave as one nation. This means that Northern Ireland will leave the single market and customs union along with the rest of the UK.

Prime Minister Johnston’s blueprint means that the consent of the elected representatives of Northern Ireland is rightly required to opt into some rules, which would make trading with our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland easier for farmers and businesses.

A sensible, pragmatic way forward honouring the UK’s referendum result.

This has been met with complete negativity from EU leaders.

It appears that no proposal, other than tying Northern Ireland to the EU single market and customs union, is acceptable to this house, the Irish Prime Minister or the German Chancellor.

So let us be clear once again.

Northern Ireland is an integral part of our United Kingdom through the consent of the people of Northern Ireland.

We will not be torn out of its internal market and customs union.

We are not a bargaining chip in the EU’s negotiation.”

Diary Page

Dates for your Diary


* Annual Party Conference - 25th & 26th October - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Shaws Bridge Belfast.

For more information or to express interest in events where not otherwise indicated, please email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Diary%20Dates%20-%20DUP%20Newsletter)

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