The DUP has urged the Ulster Unionists to join it in refusing the British government's implementation plan on policing. After a meeting at Stormont, the party called on the UUP to refuse to nominate members to the new Police Board.
The party said that, if the DUP and UUP together refused to put forward members for the Board, then Unionism could best fight against proposed policing changes. The issues that concern the party include the change of symbols and name of the RUC, the position of the full-time reserve, and role of the special branch.
Party leader, Reverend Ian Paisley, has been in contact with the UUP President, Martin Smyth, to discuss the matter and they hope to arrange a meeting between the parties in the near future.
The statement said that it made the offer in a spirit of co-operation and the DUP awaited their response. The SDLP has signed up to the British government proposals, but Sinn Féin has rejected them. The Ulster Unionists has yet to make a formal response.
