Menu
22/11/2023
DUP 'Will Not Get Everything It Wants' – Robinson
The DUP "will not get everything it wants" from the UK government, former party leader and First Minister Peter Robinson has warned.
Mr Robinson made the comments in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, where he was asked about the DUP's ongoing boycott of Stormont.
The DUP has refused to form a government since February 2023 in protest at post-Brexit trade agreements.
It is understood that the UK government have said that negotiations over additional changes to the Windsor Framework "are in the final stages", however the DUP claims that "gaps are outstanding".
During his interview on Talkback, Mr Robinson said that he supported the strategy taken by party leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, but warned that unionists "may have to release we have really pushed this one", and that he believed talks could not "go beyond the turn of the year".
Mr Robinson said that he hoped the DUP would form a new government in NI, which would allow them to negotiation further for changes to Framework.
Following Mr Robinson's comments, the DUP said that the former party leader was not speaking on their behalf, but was expressing "his own views and analyses … on the basis of years of experience".
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) described Mr Robinson's comments as a "political distress flare" launched to help the DUP "find its way out of the cul-de-sac into which it has led itself and unionism over the last few years."
The UUP had previously fully backed the DUP's boycott of the Assembly, but over recent months has led unionist calls for a return to NI's powersharing Executive.
Following Mr Robinson's comments, Lord Empey said: "Much of what Peter said has been put forward by Doug Beattie over the last 22 months. The Stormont boycott has been a failure. The Windsor Framework and the Protocol before it have been thrust upon Northern Ireland because of a botched Brexit negotiation. The DUP were the prime movers in the headlong charge into Brexit without any plan for how the border issue was to be dealt with and followed the 'pied piper' Boris Johnson into the train wreck that Brexit has become for Northern Ireland.
"The DUP has railed against the border in the Irish Sea, which they foolishly welcomed on 2nd October 2019 when Johnson proposed it. They could have stopped Boris in his tracks then as they were propping up his government in Parliament but failed to do so. Arlene Foster has said that it was her greatest regret that she did not pull the plug on their deal with Johnson at that stage. The people of Northern Ireland have been paying for this blunder ever since."
Mr Robinson made the comments in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme, where he was asked about the DUP's ongoing boycott of Stormont.
The DUP has refused to form a government since February 2023 in protest at post-Brexit trade agreements.
It is understood that the UK government have said that negotiations over additional changes to the Windsor Framework "are in the final stages", however the DUP claims that "gaps are outstanding".
During his interview on Talkback, Mr Robinson said that he supported the strategy taken by party leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, but warned that unionists "may have to release we have really pushed this one", and that he believed talks could not "go beyond the turn of the year".
Mr Robinson said that he hoped the DUP would form a new government in NI, which would allow them to negotiation further for changes to Framework.
Following Mr Robinson's comments, the DUP said that the former party leader was not speaking on their behalf, but was expressing "his own views and analyses … on the basis of years of experience".
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) described Mr Robinson's comments as a "political distress flare" launched to help the DUP "find its way out of the cul-de-sac into which it has led itself and unionism over the last few years."
The UUP had previously fully backed the DUP's boycott of the Assembly, but over recent months has led unionist calls for a return to NI's powersharing Executive.
Following Mr Robinson's comments, Lord Empey said: "Much of what Peter said has been put forward by Doug Beattie over the last 22 months. The Stormont boycott has been a failure. The Windsor Framework and the Protocol before it have been thrust upon Northern Ireland because of a botched Brexit negotiation. The DUP were the prime movers in the headlong charge into Brexit without any plan for how the border issue was to be dealt with and followed the 'pied piper' Boris Johnson into the train wreck that Brexit has become for Northern Ireland.
"The DUP has railed against the border in the Irish Sea, which they foolishly welcomed on 2nd October 2019 when Johnson proposed it. They could have stopped Boris in his tracks then as they were propping up his government in Parliament but failed to do so. Arlene Foster has said that it was her greatest regret that she did not pull the plug on their deal with Johnson at that stage. The people of Northern Ireland have been paying for this blunder ever since."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
Appeal Following Arson Attack In L'Derry
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a serious arson attack in the Clon Dara area of L'Derry on Saturday, 23 November. Shortly before 8.20pm, police received a report that an accelerant had been used to ignite the front door and letterbox of a house in the area.
22 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
Other News In Brief
Appeal Following Arson In Newtownabbey PSNI detectives have issues an appeal for information following a report of arson endangering life at residential premises at the Dermont Way area of Newtownabbey.
15 November 2024
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
New Food Strategy Aims To Make NI A World Leader In Sustainable Food
Northern Ireland's first Food Strategy Framework was launched today by DAERA Minister Andrew Muir. The strategy, titled "Food at the heart of our society - A prospectus for change," aims to position Northern Ireland as a world leader in sustainable, healthy, and nutritious food.
18 November 2024
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
Pedestrian Dies Following Road Traffic Collision Ikn West Belfast
A female pedestrian in her 70s has tragically died following a road traffic collision in west Belfast on Saturday, 9th November. The incident occurred on Hannahstown Hill shortly after 6:50pm when two pedestrians were struck by a vehicle. Emergency services attended the scene, and the injured pedestrians were taken to hospital.
15 November 2024
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
