Unionist parties trade positions on co-operation, Protocol and the future of the Union

Leaders of Unionism, (L-R) Gavin Robinson MP (DUP), Jim Allister MP (TUV), and Jon Burrows MLA (UUP).

The debate over Unionist co-operation has intensified following a call from Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson MP for closer working between pro-Union parties — a proposal that has drawn cautious and, in the case of Traditional Unionist Voice, sharply critical responses.

In a message to party members and supporters, Mr Robinson described 2026 as a pivotal year for Unionism and warned that internal division risked weakening its influence across Northern Ireland’s political institutions.

“2026 is an important year for Unionism. As leader of the largest Unionist party, I am determined to make every effort to ensure that Unionism does not squander the narrow window of opportunity that exists to prepare for the future and build, in partnership across Unionism, a movement that is connected, re-invigorated and representative of our Pro-Union communities.”

He said he wanted to reflect what he described as strong grassroots support for Unionist representatives and parties working together.

“I support, and want to reflect the desire across the grassroots of Unionism, to see unionist representatives and their political parties working together to promote the Union, to stand up for all those who want to get on with their lives and who want to see our country prosper.”

Mr Robinson argued that electoral strength was central to political influence, warning that a divided Unionism would pay a price at the ballot box.

“Unionism’s collective voice and clout will be stronger if we work together and our people can see a plan of action which they can help shape and then support.”

He added:

“The truth is that if unionism has more seats, it will have more power to get things done. The opposite is also true, a divided and fractious unionism without co-operation will cost seats and our collective influence will diminish.”

As part of that effort, the DUP leader confirmed he has written to the incoming Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows, inviting talks on possible co-operation.

“I stand ready to act in the widest interests of the Pro-Union cause and to work across the unionist spectrum. I have written to the incoming leader of the Ulster Unionist Party setting out our position and inviting him to meet.”

He said he also remained open to working with TUV leader Jim Allister, noting previous contact.

“I have previously met with Jim Allister and he knows we stand ready to co-operate to maximise unionist representation.”

Mr Robinson also used his message to criticise Sinn Féin, accusing the party of pursuing an all-Ireland agenda and failing to deliver for Northern Ireland.

“The truth is that Sinn Fein is not interested in working with the UK Government or the rest of us who at our core want to do what is best for Northern Ireland.”

Ulster Unionist Party: openness tempered by caution

Responding to the DUP leader’s intervention, a spokesperson for the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) acknowledged the moment of change within Unionism but stressed the importance of credibility and learning from the past.

“This is an exciting time for Ulster unionism as we embark on a new chapter that will engage and refocus our efforts on a confident and pragmatic unionism.”

They added:

“As a party, we look forward to setting out our vision for Northern Ireland and the Union in the months ahead and invite all unionists to join us in this endeavour.”

However, the UUP said its experience of previous discussions meant it would approach any talks carefully.

“Over the years, we have engaged in previous talks on unionist cooperation with our unionist colleagues, repeatedly in good faith, and we know all too well when others are engaging in good faith or when self preservation is on their mind.”

The spokesperson said historical decisions continued to shape current thinking.

“We are also mindful that decisions taken over the last 20 years by some within unionist leadership have failed to deliver for the Union but rather have championed the largest of strategic mistakes.”

They concluded:

“Our new leadership team will consider any request to meet, judged against what is best for Northern Ireland and its people. We remain committed to advancing the interests of the Union through constructive dialogue that benefits all.”

TUV: Protocol remains the dividing line

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) offered a more robust response, disputing elements of the DUP leader’s account and arguing that genuine Unionist unity must be rooted in firm opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol.

A TUV spokesperson said:

“We note the DUP’s recent letter. However, there are some critical truths that must be stated plainly.

They continued:

“First, we must make it unequivocally clear that there have been no one-to-one meetings with the TUV leader or representatives of the party.”

The spokesperson accused the DUP of abandoning a previously agreed Unionist stance on the Protocol.

“The reality is that the DUP walked away from unionist unity, and that decision has had consequences. Their abandonment of consistent, collective opposition to the Protocol fractured an agreed unionist position and fundamentally weakened the Union.”

They added:

“That fracture now means the DUP can scarcely even mention the Protocol — certainly not without reminding people of their own broken promises.”

The TUV said opposition to the Protocol remained the only credible basis for Unionist unity.

“Resisting the Protocol was, and remains, the basis upon which unionism can be united and the Union protected.”

They continued:

“Opposition to an arrangement that creates a regulatory and customs border in the Irish Sea — and thereby undermines Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market — is the only coherent platform for unionist unity.”

While stating they would welcome renewed agreement, the spokesperson set clear conditions.

“We would welcome the DUP and the UUP back to this ground of unity. But it must be unity based on principled, unambiguous opposition to the Protocol’s implementation as it currently stands.”

They warned against what they described as superficial co-operation.

“Anything less risks repeating the cycle of half-measures and divided unionist voices that has weakened our cause.”

The statement concluded:

“We will continue to press for an approach that unites unionism around defending the integrity of the Union, the UK internal market, and the democratic will of unionist communities.”

As Unionism looks ahead to a series of crucial electoral tests, the contrasting responses from the DUP, UUP and TUV underline the scale of the challenge facing pro-Union politics.

While there is broad agreement on the importance of defending Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, sharp differences remain over strategy, trust and the legacy of recent decisions. Whether calls for greater co-operation can be translated into a shared approach — or whether divisions will continue to define the Unionist landscape — is likely to shape the political debate in the months ahead.