Reform UK–TUV alliance
Reform UK–TUV alliance | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Leader | Jim Allister Richard Tice |
| Deputy Leader | David Bull Ben Habib Ron McDowell |
| Founded | 16 March 2024 |
| Ideology | |
| Political position | Right-wing |
| Member parties | |
| Colours | Turquoise Blue |
The Reform UK–TUV alliance is an electoral pact for the 2024 United Kingdom general election in Northern Ireland between the right-wing, Reform UK party and the British unionist and national conservative, Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV). The two parties will stand mutually agreed candidates in up to 18 constituencies in Northern Ireland.[1]
History[edit]
The alliance between the two parties was born following the decision of Northern Ireland's largest unionist party, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), to re-enter devolved power sharing government at Stormont, ending their boycott over the Northern Ireland Protocol on 3 February 2024.[2] This led the TUV to label the DUP as "Protocol implementers." Former Reform UK MEP, Ben Habib, had previously launched a legal challenge against the NI Protocol alongside TUV leader Jim Allister in February 2021.[3]
Platform[edit]
The electoral pact was announced at the TUV party conference on 16 March 2024, accompanied with a speech from Reform UK leader Richard Tice. The leaders of both parties signed a "Memorandum of Understanding" which outlined a common platform:
- upholding and strengthening the Union between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including the full restoration of Art 6 of the Act(s) of Union;
- equal rights for all citizens within the United Kingdom;
- rejection of the Irish Sea border and the subjection of Northern Ireland to EU law and the ECJ;
- the completion of a full Brexit so that the United Kingdom in all its parts enjoys full independence and economic freedom;
- robust immigration system and controls;
- a taxation system, both personal and commercial, which rewards effort.[4]
Reactions[edit]
It has been speculated that the alliance could lead to a splitting of the unionist vote and ultimately mean fewer DUP MPs are elected, due to the first-past-the-post electoral system used for Westminster elections.[5] The DUP MP for East Antrim, Sammy Wilson, highlighted this in a critical statement following the formation of the alliance, which he slammed as "absurd" and "self-destructive."[6]
References[edit]
- ^ "TUV conference: Jim Allister announces partnership with Reform UK". BBC News. 16 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "NI powersharing government to return after DUP confirms end of boycott". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Judge rejects all grounds of challenges arguing terms of NI protocol unlawful". The Irish Times. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "TUV Conference 2024 – Memorandum of Understanding between Reform UK and TUV announced for General Election". TUV - Traditional Unionist Voice. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Wilson slams TUV's absurd & self-destructive plan". DUP. Retrieved 23 March 2024.