Young Unionist chairman Jay Basra has welcomed Queen's University Belfast's decision to allow Orange collarettes to be worn at its Remembrance Sunday service on 8th November. Jay Basra said: “I raised this today because it matters. Remembrance is about honouring those who served and sacrificed, and nobody taking part in that act of remembrance should be told that part of their identity is not welcome. “I welcome the University’s decision to lift this restriction and allow members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 to wear their collarettes at this year’s Remembrance Sunday service, as they have done in previous years. “I am grateful to Queen’s for listening to the concerns raised, for setting out the reasoning behind the original change, and for acting quickly to put it right. It is right that the University has recognised the importance of collarettes to those taking part in the procession. “I want to thank the Queen’s Orange Society for raising this issue and for the work they have done in responding to it on behalf of their members. This outcome is a credit to their efforts, and to the positive contribution the Society makes to campus life at Queen’s. “Remembrance should be an occasion that brings people together, irrespective of their background or tradition. This decision means members of the Orange Institution can take their place at the service alongside everyone else, without being made to feel that their identity or traditions are unwelcome. “Looking ahead, I would encourage the University to engage directly with those affected before making changes of this kind. That would avoid unnecessary upset and help build confidence among unionist students that Queen’s is a welcoming home for their community too. “I look forward to seeing members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 take part in the service on 8th November.”

Young Unionist chairman Jay Basra has called on Queen’s University Belfast to explain why the Order of Service for its Remembrance Sunday service on 8 November states that Orange collarettes are not to be worn. He says members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 have worn their collarettes at previous services without issue. Jay Basra said: “The Order of Service for this year’s Remembrance Sunday service at Queen’s University Belfast explicitly states that ‘collarettes are not to be worn’. This was not the case in previous years. “This is despite members of the Queen’s Orange Society and Queen’s LOL 1845 having freely worn their collarettes at previous services of remembrance without issue. “I find this a deeply disappointing step backwards for inclusion and respect at Queen’s University Belfast. What has been perfectly acceptable for years has now seemingly become a problem, and I believe the University owes those affected an explanation, particularly as they appear to be the only group facing restrictions on what they wear. “Queen’s frequently prides itself on being an inclusive institution, welcoming and representing people from all backgrounds and traditions. Yet preventing members of the Orange Institution from wearing their collarettes while participating in a service of remembrance raises serious questions about how far that commitment to inclusion extends. “Remembrance should be an occasion that brings people together, irrespective of their background or tradition. There is no reason why members of the Orange Institution should be made to feel that their identity or traditions are unwelcome. “This decision only reinforces the perception among some unionist students that Queen’s remains a cold house for their community. I would urge the University to reconsider this restriction and explain why a practice permitted for years is suddenly deemed unacceptable. “I look forward to clarification from Queen’s University on the reasoning behind this decision, and to seeing this unnecessary restriction lifted.”

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The Ulster Unionist Party has selected Matthew Robinson as its candidate for East Londonderry in next May’s Assembly election. Matthew, who lives in Portstewart, is legally trained holding an LLB and an LLM with a focus on constitutional law, a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think tank, and a former chairman of the Northern Ireland Conservative Party. Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA said: “I am delighted to confirm Matthew Robinson as our Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Londonderry. “Matthew is legally trained holding both an LLB and an LLM, a director at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre think-tank and served previously as a policy adviser in the European Parliament. He brings real depth in constitutional law, international affairs and political organisation, and he has spent his career making the case for a positive, pro-Union politics focused on economic growth. “He lives in Portstewart, and he is standing in the place he calls home. East Londonderry deserves a representative who will argue its case with confidence and competence, and who understands that the Union is strengthened by making Northern Ireland work. “Matthew will do that, and I have no doubt he will be an outstanding MLA for East Londonderry.” Ulster Unionist East Londonderry candidate Matthew Robinson said: “I am proud to have been selected as the Ulster Unionist Party candidate for East Londonderry, the place I call home. I look forward to bringing real energy, enthusiasm and vigour to this campaign. “This constituency has enormous potential. From the stunning Causeway Coast to the towns of Coleraine and Limavady, East Londonderry has so much to be proud of. World-class events such as The Open Championship at Royal Portrush and the North West 200 put our corner of Northern Ireland firmly on the international stage, attracting visitors and showcasing the very best of what we have to offer. Yet for too long, East Londonderry has not received the investment and attention it deserves. “I will work tirelessly to champion the interests of our farmers, small businesses and hospitality sector, all of which are vital to the economic prosperity of East Londonderry. Our farmers are the backbone of our rural economy, while our small businesses and hospitality industry provide jobs, opportunities and investment across the constituency. They deserve a strong voice at Stormont, and I intend to be that voice and stand in their corner. “Safeguarding the future of Ulster University and Northern Regional College’s campuses in Coleraine, alongside strengthening services at Causeway Hospital, must also be a priority. “My background in law, public policy and international affairs has taught me the importance of sound judgement, evidence-based decision-making and delivering results. That is the approach I want to bring to Stormont: good governance and a determination to tackle the challenges facing East Londonderry and Northern Ireland as a whole. “I joined the Ulster Unionist Party because I believe in a confident, forward-looking and pragmatic unionism, one that brings people together rather than drives them apart. We secure our place in the Union not by harking back to the tribal politics of the past, but by focusing relentlessly on economic growth, prosperity and making Northern Ireland work for everyone. A Northern Ireland where future generations want to stay, build successful careers, raise families and fulfil their potential. “Under Jon Burrows’ leadership, and with a strong Ulster Unionist team at Stormont, the party is offering a fresh approach, grounded in common sense, ambition for our people and a determination to get things done. That is the kind of unionism I believe in, and the kind of politics I want to champion in East Londonderry and across the North Coast.”

✍️Statement from Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA regarding the scenes at the Garvaghy Road.

🎥 Unionism needs some honest reflection. Party Leader Jon Burrows on why unionism needs long term thinking, not short term self-interest.