New MLA Burrows calls for unionists to argue with ‘same passion’ as nationalists

Stormont’s newest MLA has called on unionists to advocate for Northern Ireland’s place within the UK with the “same passion” that nationalists argue for a united Ireland.

Former senior PSNI officer Jon Burrows was formally signed at Stormont as the new Ulster Unionist MLA for North Antrim on Monday.

Mr Burrows said he had decided to enter politics to continue his career of public service.

He responded to questions over whether he would like to some day lead the party by saying they were not “serious”.

Since leaving the PSNI and before becoming an MLA, Mr Burrows has been a high-profile media commentator on criminal justice issues.

On his new career, he said: “I had a history of public service in the PSNI.

“I served the public when I did some volunteering at a food bank.

“I have seen the real challenges that people have with the cost-of-living crisis.

“I want to give something more and an opportunity has arisen and I want to help the people of North Antrim with the daily difficulties they face, housing, the farming sector needs advocated for, the cost-of-living crisis, there are children who can’t get places at school who have special educational needs.

“When I hear these challenges, I want to make a contribution to make Northern Ireland work.

“I am proud to be a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and to be advocating for that party and also advocating with passion for the benefits of Northern Ireland being part of the United Kingdom.”

Mr Burrows said he believed unionism needed to show more “cohesiveness”.

He said: “What you have is a nationalist and republican movement which is very driven, very organised, about advocating for a united Ireland.

“I think where unionism can co-operate is actually getting together with the same drive, the same passion, giving the benefits of Northern Ireland being part of the United Kingdom.

“I think that is a vital thing we can do, be on the front foot, be proactive and actually sell our wares as an integral part of the United Kingdom.”

Asked if this extended to unionist parties formally cooperating, Mr Burrows said cooperation could take “many forms”.

He added: “Being cooperative doesn’t have to be some formal thing, it is just working together, a common interest to get things done, to sell the benefit of the union because there are those within the nationalist and republican tradition who are very good at getting together, organising and with driving passion, they are selling the case for a united Ireland.

“I don’t think it is a strong case. I think the case is to stay in the United Kingdom, make this place work, and that is what I am determined to do.”

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has previously said he will make a decision over whether to stand at the next Assembly elections by early next year.

Asked if he had thought about the party leadership, Mr Burrows said: “I don’t even regard it as a serious question.

“Literally I have signed the book today.

“By tomorrow I will be spending time in North Antrim getting to know people, building my constituency operation, serving people in North Antrim and adding some scrutiny here.

“I am going to learn the ropes of local politics and bring some skills and experience I have.

“I don’t even treat the question with any seriousness.”

Mr Burrows said he had strong links with North Antrim and had lived in the constituency for 10 years while he was a police officer.

Mr Burrows is replacing former North Antrim MLA Colin Crawford, who resigned earlier this year after less than a year in the role.

Mr Nesbitt said: “What’s done is done, and I again wish Colin Crawford the very best for the future.

“I see the immediate future for Jon as very exciting, with nearly two years to embed himself into his new role and make the seat his own.

“As a party of law and order, it should be no surprise that we often turn to those who have served their country when vacancies arise in elected politics.

“I welcome Jon as an ideal candidate.

“He has a wealth of experience, he is totally committed to this place that we all call home, and he has the energy an MLA needs to deliver for the people he represents.

“As someone who has worked and lived in North Antrim, I am beyond confident Jon will quickly embed himself again in the constituency.”

Mr Crawford said: “I would like to warmly congratulate Jon Burrows on being selected as my replacement to represent the people of North Antrim.

“I wish Jon every success in his new role and offer him my full support and assistance as he takes up this important responsibility.

“Representing North Antrim has been a great honour, and I know Jon will bring his own strengths and commitment to the job.”