Ulster Unionist leader, Robin Swann MLA, has called on the Secretary of State to end her lacklustre approach to restoring devolution and outline exactly what actions she is going to take to make progress.
Robin Swann MLA said:
“I listened with astonishment to the Secretary of State`s comments in the House of Commons on Wednesday when she said that ‘the restoration of a fully functioning Executive and Assembly remains my top priority. I am focused on bringing the parties together to work towards re-establishing devolved government at the earliest opportunity.’
“Actions speak louder than words. It`s all very well for the Secretary of State to claim that she is ‘focused’ on bringing the parties together to restore devolution. I`d like to know exactly what she`s doing about it to make progress. The last time I spoke to the Secretary of State was over two weeks ago. If that is her focused on her top priority, it leaves a lot to be desired.
“It is unacceptable for the Secretary of State to continue to sit on her hands in the hope that something might change. That`s wishful thinking. It`s up to Karen Bradley to help make change happen. The current lacklustre approach to restoring devolution is letting the people of Northern Ireland down.
“I understand that Brexit is the main focus in Westminster and in that she has a role to play, but to indicate to the House of Commons that the restoration of the Executive is her top priority is surely a stretch of anyone’s imagination, as from the continuing exchange there was no detail or substance.”