The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has said it will consider an invitation from Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson to take part in talks on unionist co-operation. Mr Robinson told DUP members in an email he had invited UUP leader-elect Jon Burrows to discuss areas of co-operation. The invitation came a day after the former senior police officer emerged as the sole contender to succeed Mike Nesbitt as UUP leader. On Saturday, a UUP spokesperson said its new leadership team will consider any request to meet, “judged against what is best for Northern Ireland and its people”. “As leader of the largest unionist party, I am determined to make every effort to ensure that unionism does not squander the narrow window of opportunity that exists to prepare for the future,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2026 15:31 UTC