The Lions Roar, Spring 2023

Editorial

It is now over 600 days since I was afforded the honour of serving as the leader of our great Party. This is a heavy burden of responsibility, but one that I cherish. The frequent messages of support I receive from colleagues, members and supporters the length and breadth of our Province are a constant source of strength and encouragement. I want you to know that I do not take your support for granted.

Over the course of recent months, the work of rebuilding and unifying our Party has continued at pace. Our membership has been boosted by a steady number of new

recruits. We have also welcomed new elected representatives from outside the DUP family who share our vision of a positive, modern and more cohesive Unionism. We are moving in the right direction but there is still

special tribute to those who are standing down at this election or who are handing the baton of responsibility and representation to others. We are indebted to their many years of service. To those whose name will be on the ballot paper for the DUP for the first time, I say thank you and wish you every success.

I love an election and I will be taking our message to doorsteps in every village, town and city across Northern Ireland. The past fifty years have proven that the DUP works best when we work as a team. As leader, I want to ensure that our members are kept regularly up-to-date with the activities of DUP elected representatives, are made aware of upcoming events and are able to learn more about how we develop and decide our policies. By doing this, we can ensure we move forward together and guarantee everyone a genuine stake in the journey ahead. This magazine is one of a number of initiatives that the Party is taking forward. It will be published on quarterly basis to provide members-only insight into issues affecting the Party at every level. This edition will profile a number of new faces whilst addressing some of the bigger issues of the day – the Protocol, the Local Government elections and Northern Ireland’s contribution to the defence of Ukraine. I hope you find it informative.

I want to sincerely thank all those who kindly contributed in any way to this first edition of our magazine.

Jeffrey Donaldson

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP

Youth Engagement

As the youngest Unionist MLA at Stormont, I want to empower and equip young people with a voice to speak out on important matters, encourage positivity around Northern Ireland PLC and promote our place in the United Kingdom.

We must strive to develop a confidence in Unionism and that begins with our young people. They will be the custodians of the future of Northern Ireland and our precious Union. As an elected representative, I want to work toward leaving a legacy that sees us ‘pass on the baton’ effectively to the next generation.

I have always been keen to see youth development within the Party. Young Democrats and our student branches have played a huge role in developing the MLAs, MPs, and backroom staff that we now have. But this on its own is simply not enough. We must do more to give young people the tools, the platform and the confidence to promote the Union, learning from our past and looking to the future. Therefore, it is an exciting time to be taking on

the DUP spokesperson’s role for ‘Promoting the Union with Young People and New Communities.’ Unionism is a broad house. People who live here, no matter their age or background, have a real part to play in the future of this country. This includes those who have come from other parts of the globe to make

Northern Ireland their home. It is vital that when Republicans and Nationalists try to rewrite the narrative, we can individually and collectively tell our story and take a stand for the Union.

If you feel you have ideas and would like to share those with me – please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Deborah Erskine

Deborah Erskine MLA Fermanagh & South Tyrone

My Passion in Politics

Cheryl Brownlee is a Councillor for the Carrick Castle DEA on Mid & East Antrim Borough Council. She has represented the area since 2014. As well as being an elected representative Cheryl is also a part-time firefighter and works in David Hilditch MLA’s constituency office. We spoke to her about her different roles.

How did you first get involved in politics?

I always had a passion for Northern Irish history and politics from a young age, but it was my final year in University that pushed me into the frontline. I focused my dissertation on the disconnect between the PUL community and local government.

This gave me an opportunity to talk to a number of community representatives and elected officials, one being David Hilditch DUP MLA who I instantly connected with due to his dedication to community development and ‘on the ground’ issues. I quickly realised I didn’t want to shout from the

side-lines anymore. I wanted to get involved and do my bit to improve Northern Ireland and the Unionist cause.

Why did you decide to stand for elected politics?

It was David (Hilditch) who said to me, you’re already involved in the community and doing the work, why not stand for election. It wasn’t something I’d considered but I had a passion for helping people and that’s always been my drive. I suppose also at that time I felt there was no-one that reflected a 21-yearold single parent. It was an opportunity to break down the barriers and highlight concerns and improve life for those in a similar situation.

I’ve always looked at politics and thought it’s good to see someone who looks like you, dresses like you or talks like you and that hasn’t always been the case. It’s changing within the party though and we now are seeing new people coming forward from different backgrounds and with different experiences. That’s brilliant to see.

You’ve mentioned that you were a young single parent when you were first elected. How did you carve out the time for everything?

I found it extremely difficult, there’s no doubt about it, but if I want to do something I will do it, I’m very determined. I know at the time I couldn’t have done it without my mum, family & friends. That wider support was critical. Understanding bosses, a supportive husband and a serious caffeine addiction is what gets me through the day!

My daughter Brooke is now 11 but she’s grown up with me in Council. I tried to integrate her as much as possible and she was never far from my side. A lot of parents have mentioned that to me and hopefully it inspires others and makes politics more accessible.

Zoom meetings have been fantastic too. You can attend and contribute just as much as anyone else but without having to spend hours at the venue or the commute. Lyle, my son, was born during Covid and there was a Council meeting 3 days later that I was able to take part in and participate in; something I just couldn’t have done otherwise.

and a culture change around mental health.

The project included the installation of benches with a “never lose hope’’ message and contact details for a 24/7 counselling service that is based in Ballymena. There was the ‘little library’ book swap in Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus with a focus on promoting good mental health. Local children drew images showing what makes them happy and those were incorporated into the library. The project itself was about creating a change in culture in Council, how we looked at mental health and incorporated it across the Council’s services.

As well as your Council duties you’re also a parttime firefighter. What made you decide to take on another role?

Landings’ and the buzzer went so I had to run. I’m pretty sure the camera was still on as I took off running. Everyone’s aware of it now and if the buzzer goes then I have to drop everything and go!

You received an award from NILGA for work on mental health in the Borough. Tell us about that.

Mental health provision is something I have and continue to champion. I was 19 when Brooke was born and I certainly struggled mentally. It was that period of time that I would often reflect back on, and see the need for better services, awareness

I’ve been in the Fire and Rescue Service for about 18 months now. It was during Covid when I first applied, and I don’t think my husband believed me that I’d go through with it but it was about creating a balance for me. My primary job is office based, which I love, but it can all be very much sitting at a computer, on the phone or meetings. I love sport and physical activity though so I wanted a challenge, to learn new skills and most of all help people within my community. I’m currently still in development, but my initial and BA training was very challenging but I loved every minute. How do you incorporate that in with your other commitments?

I’m on a daytime contract which requires me to be on-call between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, although within those hours I have 10 free hours that I can use for meetings, picking the kids up etc.

I try and manage my leave so it doesn’t affect Council meetings, however, there was an occasion I was chair a meeting of The Royal

During the daytime there aren’t a huge number of calls, but you have to take every one seriously. You just don’t know what it will be and there’s a real excitement and adrenaline from the job, whether it’s attending a road traffic accident to being called out to Carrickfergus Dams to rescue a duck. Every day is different.

What advice or encouragement would you give to others thinking about getting involved in elected politics?

I’d say to anyone thinking about it just to speak to someone who’s already doing it. It’s daunting and there’s no point pretending otherwise but there is no better feeling than helping your community and it’s an extremely rewarding job. I think that if you’ve got the passion and the drive and you’re there for the right reasons then you can’t go far wrong.

Most of all though just be yourself. You don’t have to try and dress like ‘a politician’ or to look a certain way. You’re there because of you and if you’re genuine then people will see that!

Member Focus

What is your name, how old are you and where are you from?

My name is Andrew Martin, I am 19 years old and I am from just outside Loughgall in County Armagh

Where are you currently working/studying?

I currently study Law with Politics at Queens University Belfast. When did you join the DUP and why?

I joined the DUP at the start of 2021 just before the Assembly Election. I joined the DUP for a couple of reasons. Firstly I would be a centre-right conservative so I wish to protect small businesses from unfair taxation while also pushing for reform and action within our crumbling health service. Furthermore

I am a unionist and I felt like the DUP had a comprehensive and strong vision about how we protect and move Northern Ireland forward within the UK. I also felt that young people were under represented within the party. If we were expecting young people to vote then we must have young voices within the party.

Have you always had an interest in politics?

I would say I’ve had an interest in politics since I was around 2rd year in Clounagh JHS. My interest and knowledge developed throughout GCSE and so I studied Politics for AS/Alevel. I always had an interest in leadership and service. From volunteering in youth groups to leadership in the newly formed Northern Ireland Youth Assembly. The NI Youth Assembly is a group of young people from across Northern Ireland from all political stances working together to get young people’s voices heard in politics. I have had many agreements but on some issues members vastly differ on their approach. There will always be disagreements but there is often more that unites our communities than divides us. What in politics are you most interested in?

Mental Health with young people and rural communities

Online abuse of young people

Sustainable waste management and a comprehensive plan towards reaching our climate targets. Specific investment in reform of health services and an assessment on the viability of paid prescriptions.

What politician dead or alive would you like to have coffee with?

I would like to have coffee with Sir James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. With the benefit of hindsight I would tell him to make sure that every person in Northern Ireland is treated equally and has equal representation. In an interview with Eamonn Mallie the Rev Ian Paisley said, “fair government is that every man has the same power to vote for what he wants.”

Local Government

By Gordon Lyons MLA, Director of Elections

That means we need to have excellent candidates selected, who are working on the ground and have a clear message to take to the electorate.

We have made progress in all of these areas.

A key priority for the Party Officers was the more timely selection of candidates. I am pleased that the vast majority of our election candidates were selected before Christmas, and were able to announce their candidatures before ratification by the Party Executive. This was especially important for first time candidates, giving them an opportunity to introduce themselves to their District Electoral Areas.

However it also gives time for incumbent councillors to set out their record of achievement during their term in council. We know that elections are not won simply by the work carried out in the weeks leading up to polling day, but as a result of work done over many years by our party representatives and members. Sitting councillors

have already been using this time to highlight how they have delivered for their constituents and the DUP Election Team will continue to advise councillors and candidates on how they can best do this. Therefore, although the election campaign does not officially begin until 11 April, DUP candidates have already begun making the case for a vote for our party in May. Of course as well as having the right candidates, we need the right message. Our message is clear – we are a party that gets things done. We have kept the promises we made at the last election; ensuring the most effective use of ratepayers resources, delivering more jobs and investment through City Deals and delivering for everyone in our community. We will go to the electorate once more with a message of service and work for our local communities.

Let’s campaign as a team

The Local Government election uses Proportional

Representation. We must maximise our vote. We have analysed each DEA and to maximise the number of DUP Councillors elected, we will need people to work as a team. There is no point in complaining about bad decisions being taken in our Council chambers if we don’t work night and day and sacrificially to ensure we win as many seats as possible. The difference between a DUP seat in some areas and a nonunionist being elected will be one or two votes. Every vote makes a difference.

Countdown is on This election is an opportunity for unionism to demonstrate our support for Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom and our opposition to any diminution of it. It is now less than seven weeks to the election. Let us ensure that we use every day to get our message across, and ensure we have a strong DUP team returned in every council in Northern Ireland and send the message that our place in UK must be protected.

Proper preparation for elections is key to success. When taking up the post of Director of Elections, I wanted to make sure that as a party we are well organised for the electoral battles ahead of us.

2023 Local Government Election Candidates

The following candidates have been selected and ratified to stand for the Democratic Unionist Party in the forthcoming Local Government Elections on 18 May. Work is ongoing to finalise selection in a number of DEAs and we hope these will be announced very shortly.

Antrim and Newtownabbey

Airport Cllr Matthew Magill

Antrim Cllr Paul Dunlop

Cllr John Smyth

Karl McMeekin

Ballyclare Helen Magill

Cllr Jeannie Archibald

Dunsilly Cllr Linda Clarke

Tom Cunningham

Glengormley Cllr Paula Bradley

Cllr Alison Bennington

Macedon Cllr Matthew Brady

Cllr Victor Robinson

Cllr Ben Mallon

Three Mile Water Cllr Sam Flanagan

Cllr Stephen Ross

Cllr Mark Cooper

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

Armagh Scott Armstrong

Cusher Cllr Gareth Wilson

Banbridge Cllr Paul Greenfield

Cllr Ian Wilson

Craigavon Cllr Margaret Tinsley

Ian Patterson

Lurgan Cllr Stephen Moutray

Peter Haire

Portadown Cllr Kyle Moutray

Cllr Lavelle McIlwrath

Alan Mulholland

Lagan River Cllr Mark Baxter

Cllr Paul Rankin

Cllr Tim McClelland

Ards and North Down

Ards Peninsula Cllr Robert Adair

Cllr Nigel Edmund

Cllr Eddie Thompson

David Kerr

Bangor Central Cllr Alastair Cathcart

Dean McSorley

Bangor East Cllr Janice MacArthur & Donaghadee James Cochrane

Bangor West Cllr Jennifer Gilmour

Peter Martin

Comber Cllr Trevor Cummings

Libby Douglas

Holywood and Alan Graham

Clandeboye Cllr Carl McClean

Newtownards Cllr Naomi Armstrong- Cotter

Cllr Colin Kennedy

Cllr Stephen McIlveen

Belfast

Balmoral Cllr Sarah Bunting

Cllr Gareth Spratt

Botanic Cllr Tracy Kelly

Darren Leighton

Castle

Cllr Dean McCullough

Cllr Fred Cobain

Court Cllr Frank McCoubrey

Cllr Nicola Verner

Ian McLaughlin

Lisnasharragh David Douglas

Bradley Ferguson

Oldpark Cllr Jordan Doran

Gillian Simpson Kelly

Ormiston Andrew McCormick

James Lawlor

Titanic Cllr George Dorrian

Cllr Sammy Douglas

Ruth Brooks

Causeway Coast and Glens

Ballymoney Cllr Mervyn Storey

Cllr Alan McClean

Cllr Ivor Wallace

Bann Cllr Michelle

Knight-McQuillan

Dawn Huggins

Benbradagh Cllr Edgar Scott

Causeway Cllr Mark Fielding

Cllr Sharon McKillop

Cllr John McAuley

Coleraine Cllr Philip Anderson

Tanya Stirling

Adele Tomb

Limavady Cllr Aaron Callan

Cllr Steven Callaghan

Jordan Wallace

The Glens Bill Kennedy

Londonderry and Strabane

Derg Cllr Keith Kerrigan

Faughan Julie Middleton

Gary Wilkinson

Sperrin Cllr Alan Bresland

Cllr Maurice Devenney

Waterside Cllr Niree McMorris

Chelsea Cooke

Lisburn and Castlereagh

Castlereagh East Cllr David Drysdale

Cllr Sharon Skillen

Cllr John Laverty

Samantha Burns

Castlereagh South William Traynor

Brian Higginson

Downshire East Cllr Uel Mackin

Cllr Andrew Gowan

Downshire West Cllr Allan Ewart

Cllr Caleb McCready

William Leathem

Killultagh Cllr Thomas Beckett

Cllr James Tinsley

Lisburn North Cllr Scott Carson

Cllr Jonathan Craig

Lisburn South Cllr Andrew Ewing

Cllr Alan Givan

Cllr Paul Porter

Fermanagh and Omagh

Enniskillen Cllr Keith Elliott

Erne East Cllr Paul Robinson

Erne North Cllr Paul Stevenson

David Mahon

Erne West Aaron Elliott

Omagh

Cllr Errol Thompson

West Tyrone Cllr Mark Buchanan

Mid Tyrone Shirley Hawkes

Mid and East Antrim

Ballymena Reuben Glover

Lawrie Philpott

Andrew Wright

Bannside

Tyler Hoey

Cllr Thomas Gordon

Braid Cllr Beth Adger

Cllr William McCaughey

Julie Philpott

Carrick Castle

Cllr Billy Ashe

Cllr Cheryl Brownlee

Cllr John McDermott

Coast Road

Knockagh

Larne Lough

Mid Ulster

Cllr Angela Smyth

Cllr Andrew Clarke

Cllr Peter Johnston

Cllr Marc Collins

Cllr Gregg McKeen

Cllr Paul Reid

Clogher Valley Cllr Frances Burton

Cllr Mark Robinson

Dungannon Cllr Clement Cuthbertson

James Burton

Carntogher Cllr Kyle Black

Cookstown Cllr Wilbert Buchanan

Eva Cahoon

Magherafelt Cllr Paul McLean

Cllr Wesley Brown

Moyola Cllr Anne Forde

Torrent Jonathan Buchanan

Newry Mourne and Down

Crotlieve Keith Parke

Downpatrick Sharon Harvey

Rowallane Cllr Callum Bowsie

Cllr Jonathan Jackson

Slieve Croob Cllr Alan Lewis

Slieve Gullion Linda Henry

The Mournes Cllr Glyn Hanna

Cllr Henry Reilly

Opposing the Protocol –Our Record

 23 June 2016

United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union in national referendum.

 13 July 2016

Theresa May becomes Prime Minister

 29 March 2017

Prime Minister triggers Article 50

 8 December 2017

UK and EU publish a Joint Report on progress made during Phase 1 of negotiations. DUP secures the following commitments in paragraph 50

‘‘the United Kingdom will ensure that no new regulatory barriers develop between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, unless…the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly agree that distinct arrangements are appropriate for Northern Ireland.’’

‘‘in all circumstances, the United Kingdom will continue to ensure the same unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the whole of the United Kingdom internal market’’

 14 November 2018

Theresa May’s draft deal with EU is published. Under the terms of the ‘backstop’, the whole of the UK would remain in a “single customs territory” but Northern Ireland alone would continue to be subject to EU law in areas like VAT, agriculture, environment and product standards. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson tells the Commons it ‘‘fundamentally

undermines the constitutional and economic integrity of the United Kingdom.’’

 21 November 2018

Nigel Dodds MP asks the Prime Minister why she has pushed ‘the delete button’ in respect of Paragraph 50 of the Joint Report and abandoned need for Stormont approval of any divergence between GB and NI.

 5 December 2018

Government publishes the Attorney General’s legal advice to Cabinet. It confirms that Northern Ireland could be trapped in backstop indefinitely, with protracted rounds of negotiations with EU. Sammy Wilson MP responds:

‘‘In December, we sat with the Prime Minister in Downing Street and she said, “I will make sure that Northern Ireland has the final say in this because the Assembly will be the final arbiter as to whether or not these arrangements are put in place.” Those promises were taken out of the agreement. There has been bad faith. The agreement and understanding that we had has been broken.’’

 9 January 2019

New UK position paper published. Includes commitments to seek the agreement of the Northern Ireland Assembly if the UK Government were ever to consider agreeing to add new areas of law to the Protocol and a ‘‘mandatory process

of consultation’’ with the Assembly before the rules take effect. Nigel Dodds describes proposals as ‘cosmetic’ and ‘meaningless.’

 15 January 2019

The Prime Minister loses the first ‘Meaningful Vote’ on the backstop. DUP MPs vote against the deal.

 12 March 2019

The Prime Minister loses the second meaningful vote after the Attorney-General says minor revisions to the deal do not guarantee that the UK can exit the backstop unilaterally. DUPs again vote against the deal.

 29 March 2019

The government loses a third meaningful vote in the House of Commons. DUP MPs vote against the deal for a third time. A DUP statement warns that ‘the backstop if operational has the potential to create an internal trade border within the United Kingdom and would cut us off from our main internal market, being Great Britain.’

 23 July 2019

Boris Johnson wins the Conservative Party leadership contest and becomes Prime Minister

 3 October 2019

The Prime Minister delivers a statement to the Commons, outlining the Government’s proposals for a new Brexit deal. Includes pledge that ‘‘before the end of the transition period, and every four years afterwards, the UK will provide an opportunity

for democratic consent to these arrangements in the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, within the framework set by the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement. If consent is withheld, the arrangements will not enter into force or will lapse”… DUP Leader Arlene Foster says this would give ‘the people of Northern Ireland the consent that they didn’t have in terms of the anti-democratic nature of the backstop.’’

 17 October 2019

The UK and EU announce they have struck a new Brexit deal. The pledge provided by the Prime Minister two weeks previously, which would have required Assembly consent for the Protocol entering force, is dropped. Nigel Dodds says Boris Johnson was “too eager by far to get a deal at any cost.” A separate DUP statement states that ‘‘the principles of the Belfast Agreement on consent have been abandoned in favour of majority rule.’’

 12 December 2019

Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party win snap General Election.

 20 December 2019

DUP MPs vote against the Withdrawal Agreement/ Protocol in the House of Commons.

 8 January 2020

DUP agrees to re-enter the Executive and Assembly on the basis of Government commitments contained in ‘New Decade New Approach.’ This includes to ‘‘legislate to guarantee unfettered access for Northern Ireland’s businesses to the whole of the UK internal market’’ by 1 January 2021.

 31 January 2020

The UK leaves the EU and the implementation period begins.

 31 December 2020

The transition period ends at 11pm and Great Britain leaves the EU single market and customs union. Northern Ireland is now subject to the Protocol.

 26 February 2021

DUP Agriculture Minister Gordon Lyons halts construction of border posts at NI ports, stops recruitment of inspection staff and prevent charges for traders bringing goods from GB to NI.

 1 July 2021

Sir Jeffrey Donaldson makes clear in a keynote address that the Protocol is incompatible with devolution

 15 July 2021

DUP Leader sets out ‘Seven Tests’ for any new arrangements regarding the Northern Ireland Protocol.

 9 September 2021

DUP ministers withdraw from North-South political structures

 3 February 2022

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson withdraws the First Minister; DUP Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots instructs all checks at NI ports on GB goods to cease

Charting The Course Ahead

By Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP

Twelve months ago, we called time on the NI Executive and said the Protocol must be replaced with arrangements that unionists can support. We didn’t take such a position lightly or just to be thran. We did and do so because we want a thriving Northern Ireland, firmly within the UK, for our grandchildren.

Our headlines are Windsor Framework and Protocol heavy because without further change, the very foundations of Northern Ireland are being eroded but once it is addressed, and that will take as long as it takes, our path ahead is no less challenging.

Our Five Point Plan – our platform for the 2022 Assembly election – will only have one point ticked when we deal with the NI Protocol. We will still have four further points to address. Our health service needs reform with proper funding. Our infrastructure needs massive investment to make us fit for the next generation and our schools must be readied to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. To that end, a few weeks ago I restructured all our spokespeople. Each MLA has a specific role and responsibility to engage with people in their sector and develop policy ideas which can improve Northern Ireland.

Just as the pilot or the captain charts their course, so too must we. It is not good enough to just observe the terrain around us and react. We’re on a long journey and we must look beyond. We must plan the route. We must recall the experience of those who have travelled this path before, navigate the dangers and ensure we are equipped for the journey because there is a great destination that is within reach.

Our destination is to make Northern Ireland a place of peace, stability and prosperity. We want to ensure that the people in every district and community benefit and see their standard of living improve and their way of life become more enjoyable. We want to demonstrate that democratic standards apply and fairness and equality of opportunity is the right of all. We strive to make Northern Ireland the

most prosperous part of the United Kingdom.

I am glad that I am not on this journey alone. Our team is strong and getting stronger. Unionism cannot continue to splinter in different directions. There are some people who seem to only focus on hunting for heretics in unionism. That has never been my philosophy. My goal has always been to strengthen the pro-union voice in Northern Ireland. Growing the support for our cause must be the objective.

Drawing together all the strands of people who are pro-union is not easy but the consequence of allowing unionism to continue fracturing will be a Northern Ireland led by Sinn Fein whose goal is to remove us from the United Kingdom. We are democrats. We will respect the outcome of elections but I do not believe a majority of those living in Northern Ireland want to spend the next decade talking about a border poll. I believe the majority want us to replace the Protocol so the

foundation is underpinned and then focus on creating jobs, building better schools, roads, hospitals and houses.

Progress in our Province has been painstakingly slow at times but it was achieved on the basis of consensus and with a recognition that the institutional arrangements cannot work if they allow one tradition to dominate another. That’s why over the course of numerous talks processes, this Party fought hard to put right past wrongs and secure a fair deal for Unionism – and it is why we are committed to showing that same leadership today.

To say Unionism has been patient in the face of the Protocol’s provocation would be an understatement. The DUP re-entered the Executive and Assembly in January 2020 on the basis of a Government commitment to restore Northern Ireland’s place in the UK internal market. More than three years later, that pledge has joined a list of Protocol promises by this, and previous, governments that have fallen by the wayside.

During this time, we repeatedly warned of political consequences should alternative arrangements not be found to address the growing social, economic and constitutional harm of the Irish Sea border. On 1 July 2021 in my first speeches as your Leader, I warned that

devolution and the Protocol were not compatible and set out in detail our tests for judging any future arrangements. Despite affording time and space for the UK and EU to find durable solutions, progress was moving at a snail’s pace, if at all. For that reason we were forced in

all good conscience to withdraw our First Minister twelve months ago to bring matters to a head. Whether the other parties want to accept it or not, this action has provided the impetus for a new series of high-level talks between the UK and EU. The Windsor Framework is a step forward with progress made, but there is more to do.

The recent High Court judgement which reversed our Minister’s instruction to cease Protocol checks on goods entering NI ports was disappointing but I believe it also vindicated the principled action we have taken.

Whilst we haven’t yet reached our end goal with regards to the NI Protocol, this party must take the credit for progress made.

None of the local parties are calling for ‘rigorous implementation’ anymore. Instead they are talking up ‘solutions.’ Even the Taoiseach has admitted ‘mistakes’ were made on the NI Protocol.

Whilst London and Brussels have recognised that any solution

must command the support of unionists as well as nationalists, words only go so far, they must demonstrate this by their actions. They cannot be under any illusions that any deal which serves their own narrow political interests but does not represent an accord with all communities and traditions in Northern Ireland is doomed to fail.

I was in Washington DC during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations – which now last a week in America – and attended events organised by the American, British, and Irish administrations. My message at each event was the same, let’s get Stormont restored with arrangements that unionists and nationalists can support.

I will return to Washington later this year because I want the Party to build new and enduring relationships in America which help Northern Ireland.

We have much in common with US lawmakers who stand with us on our support for the unborn, our support for the state of Israel and our determination to ensure everyone has a job. I was tremendously encouraged by conversations with members of Congress and Senators who align with our values and want to help Northern Ireland.

It is incredible that for decades Sinn Fein has dominated the conversations on Capitol Hill with regard to Northern Ireland and raised millions of dollars for Sinn Fein in the process, yet all the time Sinn Fein is opposed to practically every area of American foreign policy. Whilst we want to use our relationships in the United States to help Northern Ireland prosper, Sinn Fein’s focus in America on that same week was a series of newspaper adverts across the States calling for a divisive border poll.

Make no mistake, Sinn Fein’s number one goal is a border poll

and they couldn’t care less about the divisions and acrimony that is caused in the process.

That is why Sinn Fein was not in the least part concerned about whether the Protocol was good or bad for Northern Ireland. Others, however, should have known better. For the Alliance Party to continue dismissing such concerns as a manufactured outrage was obscene. It is further evidence that they are more wedded to ‘Remainer’ ideology than the need to uphold the principle of consent and restore the delicate balance of relations here.

If Northern Ireland is to have fair and durable institutions going forward, the debris of the Protocol must be cleared from our politics, and for good. It should be of encouragement to you, as it is to me, that the bulk of Unionism stands squarely behind the leadership that the DUP has provided.

Voters are coalescing around the DUP and that is due in no small part to the unity of purpose

we have displayed across all levels of representation. I want to capitalise on this to win even more recruits to our cause and by promoting stronger and closer cooperation in forthcoming elections. Greater unity in unionism remains a key goal for us.

As we navigate the way ahead, we know our goal and that is where we must keep focused. We must not get distracted and lose focus.

We must keep building the team and building a better Northern Ireland.

Although these days are challenging, and the future uncertain, I believe we can take heart from the fact that we have a just cause.

When our grandchildren look back on this period, may they be able to say that we held the line and secured a positive future for Northern Ireland, one free from the divisions of the Protocol and based on consensus and fairness.

Standing with Ukraine

By Gavin Robinson MP

Last November on Armistice Day, I joined with hundreds of others to pay my respects at the War Memorial off the Montgomery Road. As I joined with the Cregagh Wandsworth branch of the Royal British Legion I reflected on those in attendance who have served in conflicts themselves, and some who are still serving. For those people, sacrifice isn’t an abstract concept. When they Remember, they do so personally and poignantly.

The conflict in Ukraine is less prominent in the headlines now than it was for much of 2022, but for people in that nation, their battle against the Russian invasion continues. A few hours after standing in the heart of East Belfast to remember those who fought in the Great War and other conflicts, I set off

on the first leg of a journey to Ukraine as part of the House of Commons Defence Select Committee.

There were eight of us, MPs drawn from both government and opposition, who travelled through Moldova before crossing the border into Ukraine. Northern Ireland welcomed

many refugees to stay with families here, but as we entered Ukraine it was encouraging to see that queues on the border stretched in both directions. Though a United Nations refugee camp lay just before the checkpoint, it was clear some mothers with young children were returning home.

As soon as we passed however, the signs of war and regrettably,

defences prepared for further conflict, were clear to see. Beautiful agricultural landscape scarred with freshly dug trenches. Concrete sangers and hedgehogged steel girders welded into crosses peppered the highways and byways. Everywhere we went, the appreciation of our nations support for Ukraine was incredible. Without exception, the knowledge and gratitude for the UK providing the means of self-defence and our encouragement for international partners to do likewise was humbling.

Northern Ireland plays an integral role within our United Kingdom response. As well as sitting on the Defence Committee I am also Chair of the Aerospace Defence and Security Group at Westminster. East Belfast is a hub for many companies within the sector, and the factory manufacturing NLAW anti-tank weapons used in the Ukrainian defensive efforts lies less than a 10-minute walk from the war memorial where I stood in November.

Images from conflict are often harrowing, but amidst that, you can stumble across the bizarre

and the joyous. It isn’t often you will see a pod of dolphins in a hotel swimming pool, but when the zoo in Kharkiv could no longer house them, the local hotel was able to provide them with a temporary home.

We toured a welfare relief centre, which prior to the invasion was one of the 120 schools in Odesa. Within it was their ‘English Room’ which was festooned with happy birthday banners from their celebrations for King Charles just a few days later.

Amidst the turmoil of war, there remains the need to continue with ‘normal’ life. While waiting to meet the General of the Southern Front, the sirens

sounded, and we were whisked to an air raid shelter. Inside were a class of six and seven year olds learning English. Over a six-hour period whilst those children continued their education, 90 missiles were unleashed on Ukraine with 70 or so intercepted by air defence systems. There was a common thread throughout our visit. The resolve of the people we met was inspiring. The Military Governor and City Mayor both displayed a calm resolution to restore the splendour of their city. Until then, they need us to maintain our interest, invest in their survival and assist with their defence of our shared democratic values.

New Councillors take up post

At the Party Conference we welcomed a number of new Councillors to our ranks. Since then there have been further changes to our representation in Local Government.

RowallaneJohnny Jackson

Johnny was co-opted on to Down District Council in December. He was born in Crossgar and feels honoured to represent the place he calls home.

Clogher Valley –Mark Robinson

Mark succeeds his father Wills as a Councillor for the Clogher Valley area on Mid Ulster Council, having taken up the position at the start of January.

Holywood & ClandeboyeCarl McClean

Last month we welcomed Carl as the new DUP Councillor for the Holywood & Clandeboye area. Carl was previously a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and brings our representation on Ards & North Down Borough Council to 13.

RowallaneCallum Bowsie

Calum was co-opted on to the Council in December and has been involved in numerous community and church groups across Crossgar, Ballynahinch, Saintfield and Killyleagh from a young age.

OldparkJordan Doran

In January Jordan was selected to fill the vacancy left by outgoing Councillor Dale Pankhurst. Jordan has previously been both a member and an election candidate for the TUV.

PortadownKyle Moutray

In November Kyle was selected to fill the vacancy on Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council. Kyle replaces Darryn Causby as Councillor for the Portadown DEA.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a key element for all our Branches and Associations. It helps pay for election campaigns, but these events don’t just have to be about raising extra finance. They can be important social events which help bring new people into contact with the party and might be the first opportunity to encourage them to join.

We want to look at just two examples from across the Party which will hopefully be taking place this year.

East Antrim Motorcycle Ride-Out

The East Antrim Association are hoping to hold another motorcycle ride-out later this year. A chance for any motorbike enthusiasts in the party, or amongst your friends to see some of Northern Ireland’s most scenic routes and enjoy some refreshments along the way. If anyone is interested in taking part, or helping to organise the event, get in touch with Sammy Wilson MP, sammy.wilson.mp@ parliament.uk

Fermanagh & South Tyrone Canoe Trek

Cllr Paul Robinson is planning to hold another canoe trek this year. Taking place on Lough Erne it’s suitable for everyone regardless of your experience on the water.

After paddling on the lough, the evening will end with a barbeque. Get in touch with Paul for more details, paul.robinson@ fermanaghomagh.com.

Spotlight on Delivery Disability and Accessible Play

In 2019, the DUP pledged to deliver real change for people with disabilities as part of our Local Government Manifesto. Over the past four years, our Councillors have been working proactively to honour this commitment and their investment is making a difference day and daily to children, young people and adults with disabilities. Here is a snapshot of some of the things they’ve achieved to date.

Belfast

Alderman Frank McCoubrey successfully brought forward a motion proposing an audit of play facilities across the City. As a result, every new and refurbished play park in Belfast

now has equipment for disabled children, including an area for those with autism. The Hammer, in the Shankill area, has had a disability friendly play park completed and further works are planned across other parts of Belfast including Inverary,

Botanic and the Woodvale. DUP Belfast Councillors have been at the forefront of developing sensory gardens and Cllr Sarah Bunting has also worked with principals and Belvoir ASD to develop communication boards for non-verbal children.

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

The DUP group in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon brought forward a full review of the Play Strategy and subsequently all of the Borough’s 95 local, neighbourhood and

district play parks are now accessible, with a minimum of 4 pieces of inclusive equipment. Wheelchair swings are in place, or are being progressed, at Lurgan Park Play Park, Gosford, Scarva and Portadown People’s Park and this provision will be rolled-out further as funding and infrastructure is put in place. The DUP has also supported the successful introduction of changing places provision throughout the Borough.

Mid Ulster

The Mid Ulster DUP Council team have supported the Council’s applications to the Department for Communities (DfC) Access and Inclusion Grant. This has led to the successful installation of changing places, hi-riser benches, aquatic wheelchairs, pool pod lift systems and hearing loop technology throughout the District’s leisure and recreation centres, sports arenas and golf centres. DUP Councillors also supported the roll-out of Community Inclusive Benches as part of the NI Centenary celebrations and a further 10 new benches were recently purchased for Council premises.

Antrim and Newtownabbey

The new and upgraded play parks at Antrim Lough Shore,

Rathcoole, Lilian Bland and V36 at Valley Leisure Centre included inclusive equipment as a direct result of DUP input since our 2019 manifesto pledge. For the remaining 30 facilities across Antrim & Newtownabbey, approximately £400,000 has been invested with DUP support in order to achieve disability improvements. DUP Councillors have also pushed for sensory gardens across the Borough, with the first now in place at Hazelbank Park. Separately, they introduced ‘chatty benches’ to support positive mental health and supported a bursary fund to support projects by the local special schools.

Causeway Coast and Glens

The DUP team on Causeway Coast and Glens has been to the forefront in pressing for the delivery of inclusive play. There are now 286 pieces of inclusive equipment, representing 38% of all playground items, across the Borough. Our Councillors have supported a number of recent projects to completion, including the Roe Mill Recreation Grounds Accessible Play Park and the new Water Sports Centre, Portrush - as part of the Beach Access Scheme. Investment in 2023 will see accessible play equipment, inclusive cycling and changing pods provided at Portrush

Recreation Grounds Play Park, Megaw Park, Ballymoney and Riada Playing Fields/ Disability Sport Hub.

Mid and East Antrim

In Mid & East Antrim, 5 play parks are scheduled for refurbishment in 2023, including the new play park at Woodburn in Carrickfergus and Wilson Crescent Play Park in Ballymena, which is being funded with a contribution from DfC to support the purchase of accessible and inclusive equipment. Separately, the DUP group has supported PAN-disability clubs for young people between the ages of 5 and 16, inclusive bike hire, autism information roadshows, specialised sensory play sessions, ‘quiet hour’ swimming and Makaton classes for children and adults with communication and learning difficulties.

Fermanagh and Omagh

The DUP Councillors on Fermanagh and Omagh District Council ensured inclusive play was front and centre of a new £5m ten-year Play Strategy for 2020-2030, which will focus on 97 Council managed play areas across the district going forward. 57 items of inclusive play equipment have already been installed, in part through investment secured via the DfC Access and Inclusion programme. This includes basket swings and sensory play panels. A further 45 items will be funded and introduced over the course of the next financial year.

Newry, Mourne and Down

Since the 2019 Local Government Election, DUP Councillors in Newry, Mourne and Down have played an active role in delivering disability access to all new play parks in the District. They have also ensured that each site has inclusive and sensory play

Cllr Kyle Black and Keith Buchanan MLA successfully secured a wheelchair-accessible roundabout in Tamlaght O’Crilly as well as a ramp for disabled access via Mid Ulster Council Village funding.

equipment for the benefit of those with disabilities. Our Councillors have also played a large part in securing access to beaches for wheelchairs, especially at Cranfield.

Lisburn and Castlereagh

The DUP team on Lisburn and Castlereagh have advocated for a greater range of inclusive equipment across the Council’s

52 fixed play parks. The new Dungoyne Play Park in Dundonald, which opened in 2021, included the installation of a number of piece of accessible equipment allowing children of all abilities and needs the opportunity to play alongside each other. This is being used as a pilot to see which equipment is most suited to inclusive play. A wheelchair accessible swing is also in place in Hillsborough Forest. The DUP

is also supporting ongoing work with Playboard NI and the Mae Murray Foundation to agree a set of core considerations for future play area design.

Londonderry and Strabane

DUP Councillors in Londonderry & Strabane have pressed for additional play facilities across the Council area, especially in the rural areas that currently have no provision. Through their efforts, all new play parks and upgrades to older Council stock will now include the installation of play equipment that benefits those with a disability. The DUP team has delivered new play parks in Eglinton and Strathfoyle, whilst securing an upgrade to the football pitches in Artigarvan and Donemana - which included new changing facilities. They are also continuing to call for new play park provision at Rossdowney in the Waterside, Killeen and Ballymagorry.

Ards and North Down

The core policy of providing accessible play equipment has been long established in Ards and North Down and during this term DUP Councillors have ensured this remains to the fore of the Council’s new play strategy for 2021-31. Under the strategy, a number of play parks have already had new equipment installed, or are being upgraded, including Lemons Wharf, Donaghadee, Cloughey Play Park and Cherryvalley Play park in Comber. There is a fantastic tier one play park at the Ards Blair Mayne Leisure Complex which incorporates a sensory garden and all ability play equipment. The DUP team in Ards and North Down have also been working with the Mae Murray Foundation to deliver an inclusive beach at Groomsport.

Cllr Errol Thompson pictured with one two inclusive nest swings installed at Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and Killyvilly Play Park.

Our pro-life stance

Shamefully, since we met at our Annual Conference last October there have been further efforts by the Government to erode the rights of the unborn in Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State’s recent budget prioritises spending for the commissioning of the UK’s most liberal abortion regime over spending on waiting lists, GP surgeries or reform of social care. When we consider that there were 53 abortions in Northern Ireland hospitals during 2021/22 it is heartbreaking to come to terms with the fact that more precious lives are now at risk.

It is deeply regrettable that the Assembly previously rejected a DUP Bill seeking to end abortion to full-term on the grounds of disability or non-fatal disability.

A baby without a diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome cannot be aborted right up to full term, yet a baby diagnosed with Down’s, even in the week before full term, can be aborted because it is disabled. This inequality is appalling and should not be sustained. We continue to stand with inspirational disability campaigner Heidi Crowter in her fight to have the law changed in Great Britain despite her setback in the Court of Appeal.

The uprooting of the right to life of the unborn child has been followed hot on its heels by unjustifiable moves to restrict the rights of those who wish to protest against abortion peacefully, reasonably and legitimately. Just last month, I hosted Isabel Vaughan-Spruce on a visit to Parliament and my colleague Gregory Campbell MP raised her case through a

Parliamentary Motion. Isabel was arrested for silently praying near an abortion facility in Birmingham and subsequently searched, arrested and charged for breaking a Public Space Protection Order censorship zone (or “buffer zone”) four times. Such activity ought to be protected under freedom of thought, conscience and religion and Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights. Isabel’s example demonstrates the dangers of similar legislation forced through by the other parties in the Assembly last March. As a Pro-Life party, DUP members elected to Councils, the Assembly and at Westminster will continue to support policies that protect life and reject abortion.

Why we choose life

3 Because we believe the right to life applies to all human beings regardless of whether they are inside or outside the womb

3 Because we believe deliberately ending the life of an innocent human being is wrong

3 Because every child inside or outside their mother’s womb should be afforded the same dignity and respect and have the opportunity to reach their life’s potential

3 Because we believe society should equally protect, help and cherish both mother and baby

3 Because we believe the focus should be on greater support and care for women in crisis or unexpected pregnancy.

3 Because we want to see specialist pathways and a perinatal hospice care facility established to provide the best medical and emotional support for mother and baby in cases of severe life limiting conditions.

Carla Lockhart

Carla Lockhart MP