Two MPS join Robinson’s call on border poll
Lockhart and Campbell say unionists must prepare for unity referendum
GAVIN Robinson’s warning that unionists should prepare for a future border poll has been backed by two fellow DUP MPS.
Carla Lockhart and Gregory Campbell said the East Belfast MP was right to suggest that unionists must begin a conversation about how to promote the Union in preparation for a unity referendum.
Upper Bann MP Ms Lockhart, said: “It’s vital that we prepare ourselves for the future and any scenario including a border poll.”
TWO DUP MPS have backed their Westminster colleague Gavin Robinson’s warning that unionists should prepare for a future border poll.
Carla Lockhart and Gregory Campbell told the Belfast Telegraph that the East Belfast MP was right to suggest that unionists must begin a conversation about how to advance the Union in preparation for a unity referendum.
Upper Bann MP Ms Lockhart, said: “Gavin is taking a very sensible, pragmatic approach. It’s vital that we prepare ourselves for the future and any scenario including a border poll.
“Gavin is an integral member of the parliamentary team and is an important voice in the DUP.”
In an interview with the Irish News, Mr Robinson said that it was “incumbent on unionists not to take the status quo for granted” but to find ways to “augment, enhance and solidify the Union”.
The East Belfast MP said that his former party leader, Peter Robinson, was correct to urge unionists to get ready to contest a unity referendum.
“Peter is absolutely right, not only about how we should think about these things; how we should engage in wider discussions within unionism about how we strategise for ourselves; how we position ourselves; and how fundamentally we advance the cause of the Union through thought and argument.”
East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell said he fully supported Mr Robinson’s position.
“For those who live and work in Northern Ireland their future is best placed within the United Kingdom.
“The DUP, just as Gavin outlined, has been to the fore in pressing the Government and wider unionism to promote the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom especially in this centenary year.
“2020 was a terrible year for almost every element of our lives, but centre stage was the United Kingdom’s unique National Health Service which people in every community in Northern Ireland rightly applauded each week.
“Then when it came to that chink of light at the end of the Covid tunnel in the form of a vaccine, it has been the United Kingdom leading the world in rolling out the vaccine.
“Being part of the United Kingdom was very beneficial in 2020. The Treasury’s contribution for many, was the difference between business survival and bankruptcy.”
The East Londonderry MP added: “Sadly for many historic reasons being a unionist in Northern Ireland was seen as a religious terminology rather than a political ideology.
“As party leader, Arlene each week holds online meetings with young people, Northern Ireland’s leaders of tomorrow.
“The series of meetings is called ‘Beyond 21’ and looks at the kind of Northern Ireland they want to grow up and live in.
“Those young people are from all faiths and none but they believe in the Union. That’s where our focus is. It is on looking to the next generation and ensuring that our grandchildren grow up in a Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom, where they can get the job they want and the future they deserve.”
Asked if Sinn Fein welcomed Gavin Robinson’s comments, South Down MP Chris Hazzard said: “A referendum on Irish unity is a key part of the Good Friday Agreement.
“There is a growing discussion already underway on Irish Unity and what a new Ireland would look like.
“No one has anything to fear from Irish unity.
“It has huge potential for improving our economy, transforming our healthcare services and enhancing the prosperity of the whole island.
“There is room for everyone in that discussion and I would encourage people to take part in helping to shape a new and better Ireland.”
In 2018, Peter Robinson said that those who refused to prepare for a referendum on Irish unity were burying their heads in the sand.
The former DUP leader warned that too many unionists were taking the longevity of the Union for granted.
Mr Robinson said that unionists “pulling a paper bag over our heads and thinking we can close out the impending danger is crazy”.