The Ulster Unionist Party’s Upper Bann MLA. Doug Beattie MC, has said Alliance are wrong to withdraw from an appearance at the Westminster Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, simply because Jamie Bryson is also scheduled to make an appearance.

Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“Alliance style themselves as a progressive and open political party but on occasion they do give the impression that they have a higher virtue than everyone else and that their opinion would be in some way corrupted by listening to opposing opinions. Their decision to withdrawn from appearing in front of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee due to the fact that Jamie Bryson is attending, is disappointing and I just cannot understand their rationale.

“Jamie Bryson does not represent my view of Unionism and I would disagree with much of what he says.  But he has an opinion, he made a submission that was accepted, and therefore his opinion should be heard.  In 2017 he also made a submission to attend and give evidence to the Flags, Identity, Culture and Traditions(FICT) Commission which has political representation from all political parties including Alliance. Nobody batted an eyelid, nobody withdrew from the commission, nobody refused to hear his views. Therefore, I cannot understand why it has become an issue for Alliance now.

“If we censored members of Sinn Fein, or the PUP or anyone else we would be accused – and no doubt by Alliance - of trying to stifle opinions no matter how difficult they are to hear. Yet Jamie Bryson is somehow seen as fair game and I find this unfair.

“I believe Alliance should think again and do what they set out to do and that is give evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and allow others to do similar, regardless if they agree or disagree with their views. Debate and a free exchange of views – especially opposing views - is not merely healthy in a democracy, it is essential.”