Peace is no longer enough: Jon Burrows warns Northern Ireland faces ‘stagnation’ challenge

Northern Ireland has entered its most peaceful era in modern history — but too many people still feel left behind economically, according to Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA, who is set to deliver a major speech calling for a new political and economic direction.

In a keynote address in Dublin on Thursday, Mr Burrows will argue that while the Good Friday Agreement transformed Northern Ireland by ending decades of violence, peace alone is no longer enough if families continue facing economic uncertainty, limited opportunities and the loss of young talent overseas.

The speech marks one of the clearest attempts yet by the new UUP leader to reposition political debate away from constitutional divisions and toward economic delivery, reform and long-term prosperity.

‘Peace is the foundation — not the destination’

Speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in association with the John and Pat Hume Foundation, Mr Burrows will pay tribute to former Nobel Peace Prize winners John Hume and David Trimble for their leadership during the peace process.

But he is also expected to deliver a stark warning that Northern Ireland risks drifting into economic stagnation unless political leaders focus on reform and growth.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA

In extracts released ahead of the speech, Mr Burrows says:

“Peace is precious. Peace must always be protected. But peace alone is not the destination. Peace is the foundation, the platform upon which we build something greater.”

The UUP leader will argue that many people increasingly feel the wider benefits promised by the peace settlement have not fully materialised in everyday life, particularly around jobs, wages, public services and opportunities for younger generations.

That message is likely to resonate across Northern Ireland, including towns such as Ballymena and communities throughout Mid and East Antrim, where concerns around economic growth, investment, healthcare pressures and retaining young skilled workers remain major political issues.

Stormont criticism and reform push

Mr Burrows is also expected to criticise the structure of devolved government at Stormont, arguing the institutions were designed primarily to preserve political stability rather than deliver high-performing government.

He will say:

“Stormont was designed to exist. It was not designed to excel.”

The remarks signal a broader argument that Northern Ireland now requires a second phase of political evolution focused less on managing division and more on improving economic performance, public services and living standards.

While reaffirming his support for the Union, Mr Burrows will argue that constitutional politics is no longer the dominant concern for many households struggling with day-to-day pressures.

Instead, he will position economic security, stability and opportunity as the central political challenge facing Northern Ireland in the years ahead.

Focus on jobs, skills and keeping young people in Northern Ireland

A major part of the speech will centre on economic reform, with proposals aimed at boosting skills, apprenticeships, university reform and private sector growth.

Mr Burrows is also expected to call for a reduced VAT rate for hospitality and tourism — sectors viewed as critical employers across many parts of Northern Ireland, including the north coast and wider Mid and East Antrim area.

The UUP leader will warn that Northern Ireland cannot continue losing highly skilled young people to opportunities elsewhere.

The issue has become increasingly prominent across local communities, with employers frequently highlighting recruitment challenges while many younger workers and graduates continue leaving Northern Ireland for better-paid opportunities abroad or elsewhere in the UK.

A speech aimed beyond traditional party politics

The address, titled “Peace Is No Longer Enough: Delivering Peace and Prosperity for All in Northern Ireland”, appears designed to position the Ulster Unionist Party within a broader conversation about economic reform and post-conflict progress rather than traditional constitutional battles alone.

By delivering the speech in Dublin and in partnership with the John and Pat Hume Foundation, the event also carries symbolic significance, linking the next phase of political debate to the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement architects.

Mr Burrows is expected to conclude with a call for a generational shift in political priorities.

“The generation before us ended violence. Our generation must end stagnation. Peace was the beginning. Prosperity and opportunity must be the destination.”

The speech will be delivered at the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin on Thursday, June 4 at 12 noon.