Ulster Unionist Leader, Robin Swann MLA met the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham today (Monday).

Ulster Unionist Leader Robin Swann MLA said:

“It was an opportune moment to meet with the Prime Minister at her Party’s Annual Conference in Birmingham.

“I welcomed her strong words in support of the Union, and those of her ministers. I look forward to building a positive message for Unionism.

“My message for Michel Barnier and the rest of the EU negotiators, including the Republic of Ireland government, is that Northern Ireland and its position as an integral part of the United Kingdom will not be a sacrificial lamb in the Brexit negotiations.

“We are approaching crunch time in the negotiations and EU negotiators should not attempt to continue the folly of using Brexit in a foolhardy attempt to break up the United Kingdom. Their words have repercussions and demonstrate an ignorance of the Belfast Agreement and the principle of consent.

“There are some who are deliberately and wilfully misrepresenting the Belfast Agreement and the position of Unionists who voted remain during the referendum. Let’s be absolutely clear, unionists who voted remain during the referendum did not vote to leave the United Kingdom. Those who try to misrepresent this position put community relations at risk and are putting a barrier in the way of reaching a sensible deal over Brexit. A pragmatic deal which respects the outcome of the referendum, the integrity of the United Kingdom, the sovereignty of Northern Ireland and relationships with our EU neighbours is the best outcome for everyone.

“The most important day in negotiations is the last day and as we move towards that moment it is incumbent on Unionists of all shades throughout the United Kingdom to make clear to the EU that our country’s integrity should and will remain intact.”