Elliott welcomes David Cameron's Pro-Union assurances

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has welcomed a speech by David Cameron, in which the Conservative leader stated the continued pro-Union principles that guide his party.

Mr Elliott said: "It is fantastic to hear the leader of the Conservative party reiterate his party's pro-Union principles. There is no doubt that the Conservatives have re-established themselves politically in the last number of years, and I am glad they have not forgotten about the importance of the Union, which means so much to many people in Northern Ireland. Throughout our history, we in the Ulster Unionist Party have always worked closely with the Conservatives. Even today, our MEP Jim Nicholson works closely with his Conservative counterparts in the European Parliament, making sure that all decisions taken are scrutinised by Unionists with the promotion of the United Kingdom in their minds at all times."

Mr Cameron stated that it was his job to defeat "the ugly stain of separatism that is seeping through the Union flag." With pressure continuing to grow on Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his cabinet, the Tories are now better placed politically than they have been at any time since they lost power in 1997. Despite this fact however, worryingly for the Conservatives and Mr Elliott is the growing wave of nationalism evident in all parts of the UK.

The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA went on to say: "The growing nationalist vote across the United Kingdom is a cause for concern. We even have what appears to be an 'Ulster Nationalist' as First Minister and 'Irish Nationalist' as Deputy Minster here in Northern Ireland. That is why I welcome Mr Cameron's speech, as a demonstration of Unionist principles continuing to guide mainland politics in the form of the opposition.

"I have no doubt that the next general election is going to see changes in Westminster. I believe that the Conservative party vote will grow and if Mr Cameron does become our next Prime Minister then I am happy in the knowledge that he is strong advocate of the Union. A Prime Minister with Unionist principles can only be a good thing for United Kingdom as a whole.

"I can reassure the people of Northern Ireland that the Ulster Unionist Party will be continuing to maintain and promote the Union within our part of the wilder United Kingdom."

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Tom can be contacted for further comment on: 079 779 244 38.