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Party Leader seeks to renew and revitalise unionism

Following unanimous ratification by the Party Executive on Wednesday, Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson outlined his vision for the DUP and for unionism in a speech on Thursday morning.

Stressing a long-term vision for the future he said, “I will seek to renew and revitalise unionism not just for the next few months but for the next quarter century, the strategy we will follow and the principles that will guide us.”

He also said over the coming months the Party will be guided by five core objectives:

- To remove the Irish Sea border’s pernicious impact on our trading and constitutional position.
- To make sure that devolution is placed on a stable and sustainable basis.
-To prioritise our health service and our economy as we emerge from the pandemic
- To broaden and deepen the support for Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom.
- To listen to voices from right across Northern Ireland in shaping our future strategy.

Read the full speech here.

On Thursday the Party also commemorated the Battle of the Somme with a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial to the 36th Ulster Division in the grounds of the Stormont Estate.

Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was interviewed on BBC Radio Ulster and stressed there should be no internal border in the UK when it comes to trade.

First Minister Paul Givan commemorated the Battle of the Somme at Belfast City Hall.
- Commented on the most recent relaxations to Covid restrictions agreed at the Executive.

North Down MLA Stephen Dunne took up his seat in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Economy Minister Paul Frew announced a £180 million investment in the NI Traineeship.
- Announced the second Assured Skills Academy in legal services.
- Confirmed the Study USA Programme for 2021/22 will proceed.

DAERA Minister Edwin Poots published a consultation on proposals to protect service animals whilst on active duty in Northern Ireland.
- Launched a £1million Rural Business Development grant scheme.
- Launched a call for evidence on a plan to eliminate plastic pollution.
- Launched a Robotics and Automation Pilot Project.
- Visited the farm of UFU President Victor Chestnutt.
- Visited the Lough Neagh Rescue Service.

Upper Bann MLA Diane Dodds spoke ahead of a meeting with Maros Sefcovic
- Following the meeting she said the EU’s position was ‘you can have any solution you like, so long as it’s the EU’s pre-ordained outcome."

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said questions continue over the prosecution of veterans.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey said the Justice Minister must closely monitor the Victims Payment assessment and appeals.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson asked who bears responsibility for PPS failures in veterans cases.

Lord Dodds said an extension of three months to a temporary so-called grace period for chilled meats is of little consequence.

South Antrim MLA Trevor Clarke expressed alarm at reports PSNI officers were instructed not to arrest members of dissident republican organisation Saoradh.

East Belfast MLA Joanne Bunting said the PSNI must address under-representation of Protestant working-class communities.