Sinn Fein minister Israel row: Unionist parties 'stood up for the rule of law' and thousands defence workers - DUP
Unionist parties have “have stood up for the rule of law and for the thousands of local workers” in the defence sector – showing working together “can deliver real results”, a DUP MLA has said.
Phillip Brett, who chairs Stormont’s economy committee, has also accused Alliance of choosing “to look the other way” when his party brought a petition over a recent announcement by the Sinn Fein economy minister.
It relates to Caoimhe Archibald’s instruction to state-backed trade body Invest NI to draw up plans to “eliminate any risk of public funds being used to support the manufacture of arms or components that are used for genocide”.
The Sinn Fein minister also said her department would not engage in the UK government's trade talks with Israel “while it continues to illegally occupy and impose apartheid on Palestine”.
A DUP petition to bring the economy minister’s controversial policy on trade with Israel back to the Stormont executive has received the necessary signatures, and the party is awaiting a decision by the Speaker Edwin Poots on the matter.
North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett has unionist co-operation on he issue is welcome, as the minister’s actions go “to the heart of proper government”.
“This could not have been achieved without the support of colleagues across unionism, and I want to place on record my thanks to MLAs from the Ulster Unionist Party and the Traditional Unionist Voice for standing with us.
“When Unionism stands together and works together, we can deliver real results in defence of fairness, jobs, and Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom.
“This issue goes to the heart of proper government. The minister acted without seeking the agreement of the Executive, despite this being a significant and controversial matter.
“While unionist representatives have stood up for the rule of law and for the thousands of local workers employed in our aerospace, defence, security and space industries, it is deeply disappointing — though not surprising — that the Alliance Party chose to look the other way.
“Their silence speaks volumes”, Mr Brett said.