Jon Burrows warns funding alone won’t meet NI’s challenges as he sets out plan to rebuild Unionism

Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA hails a new chapter for Unionism in Northern Ireland, pictured with deputy leader Diana Armstrong MLA during the recent Party leadership ratification

At a time when questions continue to be raised about whether current funding levels are sufficient to meet Northern Ireland’s growing political, economic and social challenges, Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has said that resources alone will not secure the future of the Union without strategic leadership, long-term thinking and renewed public confidence.

In a letter to DUP Leader Gavin Robinson MP, Mr Burrows outlined his determination to rebuild confidence in Unionism and deliver practical results for Northern Ireland, arguing that political direction and collective purpose are just as vital as financial settlements.

Reflecting on his recent appointment as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, Mr Burrows said the response from members and supporters across Northern Ireland had been overwhelmingly positive.

He described the moment as energising not only for the party, but for the wider pro-Union community.

He said the task now is to harness that renewed momentum to strengthen and advance the Unionist cause at a time when public confidence, turnout and representation are under strain.

Mr Burrows committed to leading “with confidence, outward looking ambition, and a clear focus on delivering tangible benefits for people”, stressing that voters expect more than rhetoric during a period of mounting pressure on public services and household finances.

Looking back over the past two decades, he pointed to a number of strategic decisions which he believes have weakened Unionism’s overall position. These include local government reform, the reduction in the number of MLAs, and the handling of Brexit, which he said ultimately led to the creation of the Irish Sea Border.

According to Mr Burrows, the cumulative effect of these decisions has been damaging.

“These, he argued, have had a cumulative impact on Unionist morale, our collective electoral performance and confidence among pro-Union voters,” the letter states, adding that these were outcomes the Ulster Unionist Party had previously warned about.

He stressed that lessons must be learned if Unionism is to respond effectively to the challenges it now faces, particularly at a time when political disengagement and low turnout risk undermining representation, regardless of future funding settlements.

Mr Burrows identified Unionist apathy as a growing concern, describing it as a challenge that political leaders must address “proactively and collectively in the best interests of the Union”.

He argued that better long-term planning and cooperation could help maximise electoral outcomes and ensure that pro-Union votes translate into meaningful representation across councils, the Northern Ireland Assembly and Westminster.

Ultimately, Mr Burrows reiterated that his priority is securing the best possible future for Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. He called for a clear and credible electoral choice for voters, while remaining open to constructive cooperation where it serves both the Union and the wider public.

He also underlined the shared responsibility of Unionist leaders to encourage higher turnout and rebuild confidence among voters who may feel disillusioned or disconnected from politics.

As debates continue over funding levels and financial pressures, Mr Burrows’ intervention signals a belief that political renewal, strategic clarity and voter engagement are essential if Unionism is to move forward and deliver lasting results.

The letter reflects growing concern among grassroots Unionist voters who feel disconnected from politics despite repeated funding debates.

Mr Burrows’ emphasis on confidence, turnout and morale speaks directly to communities who believe that representation — not just resources — will shape Northern Ireland’s future.