Russian threat to Belfast and Fivemiletown is a reminder of UK's security shield around NI - Robinson
A claim from a former Russian leader that Belfast and Fivemiletown could be targets if Moscow goes to war with Europe are a reminder of the security protections Northern Ireland has in the UK, the DUP leader has said.
Gavin Robinson has also hit out at Ireland’s dependence on the British armed forces, saying Dublin’s entire strategic defence is “outsourced”.
The comments come after media reports that former Russian deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin had listed two sites in the province which would be struck in the case of a conflict. The Belfast Telegraph reported that Belfast and Fivemiletown were on the list.
In an email to party members, the DUP leader said the “extraordinary claim” was “undoubtedly sabre-rattling from a hostile regime” – but said it served as a reminder about the importance of security.
Mr Robinson said his party would ensure that the people of Northern Ireland “remain protected under the full shield of the United Kingdom’s defence, intelligence and security network - one of the most capable in the world”.
The East Belfast MP told the party faithful: “If anything ever threatened these islands, it would be the RAF, the Royal Navy and British Armed Forces who would stand between us and harm. That is the hard truth.
“Contrast that with the Irish Republic. Dublin’s government benefits every single day from the bravery, sacrifice and enormous cost carried by others. Their airspace is protected by the RAF. Their security depends heavily on intelligence-sharing from the UK and NATO powers. Their entire strategic defence is outsourced.
“Yet this is the same government that indulges in moral grandstanding on the world stage. This week they withdrew from Eurovision over Israel’s pursuit of Hamas, proclaiming themselves champions of human rights because of the situation in Gaza.
“It should never be forgotten that when Jews were being systematically murdered during the Holocaust, the Irish state stood idle and claimed it wasn’t their fight”.
He added: “while they play politics, our servicemen and women face down real threats”.