Representatives of all Unionist Parties and independents in the Assembly have met this afternoon to discuss issues relating to the fallout of the removal of the Union Flag from Belfast City Hall and the need to address fundamental issues arising in the aftermath of the decision at Belfast City Council. During the meeting representatives discussed the commencement of a consultation process regarding the flying of the Union Flag from Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

In attendance at the meeting were Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party Mike Nesbitt MLA, First Minister and DUP Leader Rt Hon Peter Robinson MLA , Leader of the TUV Jim Allister QC MLA, UKIP representative David McNarry MLA and Independent David McClarty MLA.

All those present deplored the decision of Assembly Commission representatives from Sinn Fein, the SDLP and the Alliance Party to boycott the meeting of the Assembly Commission scheduled for this afternoon. As a result a special meeting of the Assembly Commission has been requisitioned by Unionist Commission representatives to take place no later than this Friday, 14^th December.

The orchestrated failure of the Assembly Commission to meet undermines the democratic process at a time when politics needs to be shown to work. All unionist representatives indicated their support for a consultation process in relation to the flying of the Union Flag at Parliament Buildings when the matter comes before the Commission for consideration.

Representatives of each of the Unionist parties condemned the ongoing violence resulting in conflict on our streets and reiterated their strong view that any protest must be peaceful.

The representatives resolved that it was necessary to find a political solution to the issues that were faced and resolved that they would continue to work together to ensure that this was the case in the time ahead.