UKIP Northern Ireland

Commenting on the jubilation evident amongst rem​ainers and Irish Republicans on the airwaves, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland – Robert Hill said:

“The latest jubilant gloating of the Republican cabal of SDLP / Alliance and Greens led by the nose by their Sinn Fein masters – and falsely claiming to speak for the majority in Northern Ireland is wrong and it is totally misguided.

“Thanks to Mrs. May’s (not really leaving the EU) betrayal agreement – they believe that they have won –  and that by pushing their European overlords into creating an never-ending transition period, and with barriers and an economic border between Northern Ireland and the rest of this nation, they are now closer than ever to their end-goal of a United Ireland.

“Well I have news for them, and the Government of the Irish Republic : We have not and have no intention of ever going away.”

Commenting further, Robert added:

“The gloating remainers have seriously underestimated the will of 17.4 Million Brexiteers and the many, many true Unionists not only here in Northern Ireland but throughout our great United Kingdom. We voted for our freedom because we believe in the strength of a truly Independent, sovereign and United Kingdom. We will not be denied.

“UKIP will continue to fight as the only authentic voice of Brexit  and the true party of the Union – in all corners of it. Now is the time to join us, support us, and vote for us in this fight for the nation.

UKIP for the Union!“

The unionist leadership must be guided to mobilise a lawful and peaceful headcount of ALL who are against the May Brexit betrayal and any deal which seeks to devalue the constitutional position.

Unionism should carefully assess how best our inalienable right to self determination and future prosperity can be protected. The Leaderships have a duty to demonstrate that the integrity of the Union is cast iron and without challenge.

Leo Varadkar’s despicable behaviour in drilling the E.U. into an anti-unionist combat unit has done untold damage. Bouncing a border issue as a non-negotiable red line will prove to be a serious miss judgement. His actions and his rhetoric have set back for decades co-operation with unionism. Mistrust and wariness will be the bye product of Mr. Varadkar’s cheap shots against Northern Ireland. All bets are off in terms of any future incursions by nationalists into our internal affairs.

Once the dust has settled and Mrs. May is gone and her deal withdrawn, nothing less will satisfy unionism.  To that end unionists will gather to demonstrate a unionist head count.  It is time for the 350,000 Leave voters here in Northern Ireland to be told that they are not dumped and will not be surrendered under unlawful E.U. control.

Opinion Piece by David McNarry

(Former UKIP MLA and leader in Northern Ireland)

Commenting on Sinn Fein’s refusal to attend events this Remembrance Day,       

UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said: 

“I know this will be a relief to many veterans who are fed up to their back-teeth of the hypocrisy from this party.   It will be a long time, if ever –  before the actions of their Provisional wing will be forgotten.

“The IRA’s relentless attacks on the security forces, their barbaric and indiscriminate attacks on members of the public and their cowardly and murderous attack on the Enniskillen cenotaph on Remembrance Day –  among many more atrocities are still fresh in many of our memories.

“Sinn Fein claim that they do not want pictured with anyone in uniform. Well I can assure them –  they would find it almost impossible to find anyone in uniform who would would want to be pictured with them.  Putting designer suits on terrorists does not change the bitterness, hatred and evil inside them.”

Commenting further, Robert added:

“This party has finally proven to the world once again that their actions to date were just a carefully managed sham to keep them in their plush Government jobs – to keep the money flowing into their bank accounts.  They care nothing for the sacrifice paid by so many over the years and their absence from these ceremonies will be welcome news for many.”

 

The latest figures released on Northern Ireland Emergency Departments waiting lists are alarming, especially as they relate to a mild time of year. 

  

Commenting, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said:
 

“While our MLAs continue to coin it in whilst enjoying their two year, work-free, paid holiday – families suffer the indignity of longer and longer waiting times to be treated and or admitted to hospital and our already overworked front-line medical staff are put under more and more stress.

  
“Despite clear guidelines stating that no-one should have to wait more than 12 hours, 1,716 patients in Northern Ireland suffered this hardship in September. 
This figure is almost double the 919 over the same period last year.”

    
“As we enter the colder seasons, these figures are sure to rise and the most vulnerable in society will surely bear the brunt of it.”

  

Commenting further, Robert added:

   

“No-one apart from our inept and self-serving politicians are to blame for this and every other crisis and scandal that has defined Stormont in recent years.

    
“This further proves that their warped system of Legislative Devolution has failed the people big time and the public have lost faith in these politicians.”

     
“We need action from H.M. Government – not words or kicking the can further down the road. 
Return us to direct rule immediately so that these vitally important decisions can be taken by politicians, not unelected and unaccountable senior civil servants who didn’t sign up to make key decisions in the first place.

      
“This must happen now if we want to save our wonderful health service and the dignity of our families.”

On this island where the art of compromise is perfected and practised with exacting expertise: Why does Brexit cause the southern Irish so much grief?   If one accepts the validity and legitimacy of the ballot box, we (the entirety of the United Kingdom) voted to leave the European Union.  I hear the siren calls for a second referendum ‘because Northern Ireland voted to remain it should stay in the E.U.’   Stretching the corollary of that nonsense:  My constituency of Strangford voted to leave. There would be a marked switch in opinion if we were to be sub-divided with leaver constituencies exiting the E.U. –  and remainers staying. A new partition drawn up on Brexit lines isn’t on.

It’s at this point when Northern Irelanders must stop, think and take stock of where this percolating resistance to Brexit might land us. Further down the line I offer a serious suggestion for consideration by Mr. Varadkar.

But first,  allow me to grab your attention. I have deep concerns about how we will end up in the aftermath of Brexit. It’s dangerous to go there as an afterthought. We are for sure leaving the E. U.  –  but we are leaving scattered around acrimonious bitterness piled high. Me too;   I have made –  and even in this piece make some jaw jangling comments reeling from nationalist aggression,  throwing the kitchen sink at unionists over Brexit.

Leaving the E.U. will not impair continued peace, it does not impact on the Belfast Agreement, nor will it facilitate calls for an early plebiscite on Irish unity. Predictably,  the unionist reaction to such facile threats and bullying by the Irish is to circle its wagons around self-preservation and protectionism. So when I ask to stop, think and take stock:  I respectfully suggest that outsiders like Simon Coveney do likewise.  There is always a villain of the peace,  and the Foreign Affairs Minister (with emphasis on foreign) plays his part with consummate ease .

From a unionist perspective – it would be so refreshing instead of berating the British on how the border must be managed, to hear Mr. Coveney spell out precisely what level of checks, controls and patrols his government will put into place as a consequence of Brexit?   Is it that they do not believe – or do not want to believe that shared technology is capable of outwitting their kidology?   If Mr. Coveney genuinely desires (as unionism does) to trade freely across this island – without creating barriers and to see co-operation between our police and security forces:  Then lets get on with perfecting the art of compromise to our peoples mutual benefit.

A few days ago – I put this suggestion to my good friend Nigel Farage MEP  – How would it work if the Irish asked for an E.U. dispensation to agree a special status in the island of Ireland to trade internally with Northern Ireland (i.e. special status given to Dublin purely for cross-border trade and traffic.)  He replied immediately by text: “The W.T.O. could help with that on the grounds of political sensitivity. The E.U. will give no dispensation.”

Now isn’t it alarming that with Nigel’s wealth of experience in E.U. affairs, in his judgement –  the E.U. would give ‘no dispensation’. But isn’t it very interesting that he says the E.U. ‘should’ give dispensation.    My suggestion is all and only about an inter-island trade agreement –  with no need for a customs union or backstop(s) –  just basic, practical common sense.   They (the Irish Republic) stay in the E.U. and we (Northern Ireland) stay in the U.K. (and UK Internal Market, with no barriers between any part of the U.K.) –  we remain friendly, and we work to boost our separate economies .

Not once since or before Brexit have the Southern Irish Government pursued a creative solution to resolve the intractable so called Irish border. Heaven forbid that they have forgotten its British on the other side. Well how about it Mr. Varadkar –  make a call to Mrs. May, and ask her to support a plan for E.U. dispensation to operate a special-status trading agreement with Northern Ireland.  She is unlikely to refuse!

Opinion Piece by David McNarry

(Former UKIP MLA and Leader in Northern Ireland.)

With the release of a paper this week revealing the possible scrapping, or at the very least restrictions on who will be eligible to receive a free tv licence by 2020 –  the time  must surely have come to look at abolishing this licence fee altogether.

Commenting, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland – Robert Hill said:

“The BBC is an organisation which publicly claims that it needs to save money while simultaneously  paying so called ‘People’s Vote’ Spokesman Gary Lineker £1.75 Million a year to present its weekly sporting shows. Locally, ‘social justice warrior’s’ like Stephen Nolan are paid £400,000 per annum to present pro E.U. drivel to us. In fact, the BBC pays its top presenters over £8 million a year between them.

“This is the BBC that in September reported less than 20% of the attacks that happened in Israel and continues to ignore the genocide of white farmers across South Africa. This is also an organisation that continues to  ignore most of the torture, murder and persecution of Christians around the world – specifically in predominantly Muslim controlled countries.”

“One only has to look at the biased and relentless attack on UKIP Leader, Gerard Batten last week on Politics Live to see that it is quickly becoming nothing more than a left-leaning,  pro E.U. echo chamber and propaganda machine.”

Commenting further, Robert added:

“If some people want to make the conscious choice to listen to this sort of programming, then let them pay for the privilege – like they pay for other TV subscription-based channels,  and let the rest of us who choose not to listen to this spend our money on non-biased news and entertainment sources elsewhere. The truth is out there.

“If you agree, then join UKIP in our call for the total abolition of the BBC licence fee now.”

Commenting on the recent calls by some on the extreme left for ‘positive discrimination’ and the return of 50/50 PSNI recruitment,  UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said:

 

“Again we see the poisonous voices of the extreme left calling for a return to the scandalous 50/50 recruitment process in the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

This biased process was wrong in the past and is equally wrong now.

 

“Jobs of all persuasions in all fields, should be awarded purely on the basis of ability and merit – with the most capable candidates being awarded the jobs available: Not simply because of their age, sex, colour or religion –  as some have demanded this week.   There is absolutely no such thing as ‘positive discrimination.’  Discrimination is discrimination: Full stop.

“What will the local politicos  suggest next: ‘Positive sectarianism’ or ‘positive racism.’  This madness needs to stop now.”

Commenting further, Robert added:

“It’s an undeniable fact that many people from a Catholic or Irish Nationalist background aren’t currently applying to join the PSNI in big numbers. This is in large part because of the threat from so-called dissident Republican terrorists, and due to the fact that many of those raised in predominantly Republican areas are taught from an early age to not associate themselves with anything deemed British. They therefore opt not to join what they have been taught  to believe is a ‘Completely British police force’ in this part of the UK.

“Only by tackling the root causes of these long-standing issues will more people from that particular background apply to join the PSNI. Perhaps the very politicians who are clamouring for ’positive discrimination’ and 50/50 police recruitment should be concentrating on addressing these issues.”

The below text is the speech delivered by UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill to National Conference on Saturday past. UKIP in Northern Ireland were well represented at conference with our largest delegation in attendance to date.  (Watch via YouTube below) 

 

Hello Conference,

It’s great to look out and see a hall full of patriots from across the UK –  all motivated by one cause above all else –  standing up for  and  believing in this great nation of ours.

I’m pleased to be here as Spokesman for Northern Ireland and I’m happy to report that we’ve come a long way as a party during the last few months. 

As in much of the rest of the nation,  the Northern Ireland Regional Branch suffered a few set backs during the last eighteen months.     However, under the fresh leadership of Gerard nationally –  and thanks to the efforts of our activists locally –  we’ve seen a renewed vigour and activity in the party locally,  with  membership growing month on month.       In the last three months alone –    we’ve seen an incredible rise of around 40% in the Northern Ireland membership.     We have a focused and united team,  some of whom are here in the hall today –   and we’re stronger than at any point before.   We stand ready for the challenges ahead and are ready to contest council elections across Northern Ireland next year.

Folks,    the people of Northern Ireland need and deserve a real alternative to the legacy parties that continue to fail them.    There’s another common theme today across our nation.  The greatest problems in politics and society are due to the establishment political class.  It’s no different in Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh or London:  Their hunger for power and for money is much greater than their dedication  to serving the people.

Conference,     for over six hundred days – the people of Northern Ireland have been deprived of a fully functioning Government. The people elected MLAs to a Stormont Assembly which has not met  for a year and a half.  Stormont is now a white elephant.    Major decisions cannot be made as the Assembly has folded ; yet the farce continues –   because our MLAs –  from all of the old parties, continue to be paid a salary.

So far,  these self-serving politicians, who see no problem with the system  -have pocketed  more than 9 Million pounds NOT TO make  decisions on infrastructure, health and education. 

Northern Ireland has essentially been run by senior civil servants during this period,   but the courts have now ruled that civil servants don’t have the authority to make key decisions.   Mrs. May’s Government tell us that everything is okay,   the parties “just need time.”    Well, they’ve had time and talks, they’ve had talks about talks   –   but   the people of Northern Ireland who don’t get a salary for doing nothing don’t think this farce is  okay.  They think it’s madness.    Why should the people continue to fund these MLA’s lifestyles?

The old parties in Northern Ireland are wedded to the present Stormont chaos.  After all, they’re  the architects of it.   The shameful six hundred days highlights just  how out of date and antiquated  their institutions of non-Government are now.  Legislative Devolution in its current Stormont guise has failed –  this model is from a time which has passed.     There needs to be a re-think about the future long-term Governance of Northern Ireland. It’s also time for the people to have a say.

In the mean-time, the current situation can’t continue. The Government needs to act. It should stop the Stormont gravy-train, end this farcical situation, and return to direct rule.    We can then have a mature debate on the future Governance of Northern Ireland.

The Remoaners locally – aided by their friends in the media have used their well paid vacation to tell  us that because of Brexit –   we’re all doomed.  Trade, farmers all of us – doomed apparently. They don’t like facts very much, but here are a few for them.

Tourism is booming in Northern Ireland, the skyline is littered with cranes as growth continues. Our attractions are seeing increasing numbers of visitors and Cruise-ships from across the globe are regular visitors to Belfast now.  Game of Thrones enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the HBO franchise has added around £150 million to the local economy. There are plans too for new studios opening in the city, with  other TV and movie projects coming to our shores soon.

Multi million pound investments are being made too. Over the last few years,  the hotel business has grown significantly with a rapidly increasing list of brand new luxury hotels being built. If you visit Northern Ireland, you will see first hand the growth.   This has created new jobs in the building trade, the hospitality sector and has created new business for locally based suppliers.

Despite these recent investments in Northern Ireland –    If we were to listen to the local branch of team remain – Northern Ireland would be stuck in a bizarre ‘customs arrangement’ with the EU –  this insanity would prevent us from benefitting from future trade deals put in place by the rest of the UK.  Those who call for this aren’t only calling for the integrity of the UK to be put into question; they’re prioritising 23% of trade with the EU over the 77% of Northern Ireland’s trade with the rest of the UK and elsewhere.    Despite what we’re told by anti-democrats   –  it would never have been in Northern Ireland’s interest to prioritise access to the Irish Republic over access to the rest of this nation.

Do the remainers really believe that these wealthy investors  don’t know what they’re doing –    that they haven’t looked closely at the risks involved?    Of course not:  They have done their research, and they know that Northern Ireland as part of a strong, Independent United Kingdom is a place where they will profit from their investment and grow their business.

In terms of the so called  ‘damage to cross-border business’ – This is more project fear.    Smart-checking and trusted trader schemes exist elsewhere, and this is a practical option for trading and ensuring the integrity of the UK’s internal market.  Using technology is one way of enhancing security with minimal fuss –  and with no additional physical infrastructure.

I feel it’s important that we turn to one further issue of great significance:   Our Northern Ireland Veterans. 

Our armed forces and security services served valiantly during the troubles in Northern Ireland. These brave men put their lives on the line daily to defend us against the evils of terrorism –  and many hundreds of them paid the ultimate price for doing so.  The courage they displayed in protecting us must never be forgotten.     We should not tolerate the rewriting of history by those who wish to legitimise the actions of terrorists.  Nor must we allow this  campaign to take hold where these veterans are continually  persecuted  –  in order  to appease a narrow agenda.

Were it not for the bravery and courage of our armed forces and security forces;  there would not be the relative peace that we currently enjoy in my part of the United Kingdom.   We have a duty to protect those who have protected us –  from malicious charges and questionable legal claims from the past – some of which stretch back fifty years.     

Isn’t it cruel that  – whilst a large number of those they defended us against walked free years ago due to flawed agreements:  These men live in fear of a knock at their door?         Our veterans should be entitled to know that when they give their all to serve, they can go home with gratitude and not have to continually look over their shoulders.  This witch-hunt against  veterans needs to stop.

Conference, one thing is very clear. On this issue and on so many others – only UKIP is prepared to speak the truth and the language of the patriotic working people across this nation. Across the nation, we’ve lots of work to do, but as the last six months have proven, our job has only started. UKIP for the Union!

  

Commenting on today’s Statement from Northern Ireland Secretary – Karen Bradley, UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland, Robert Hill said:

  

“Frankly – this is all too little, far too late from our Secretary of State.

£9 million of taxpayers money has already been wasted on these skiver’s wages – and small, gradual, incremental cuts to their current £49,500 salaries will do nothing to move things forward. 

   
“After the two cuts outlined, (the first not until November and the second at some point next year) our work-shy MLAs will still receive a wage of £35,888 for NOT doing their job. 

   
“The flawed argument that they still do Constituency work doesn’t wash – as the work is done by hard working staff, paid by expenses that will not be affected by this in any way.

     
“In relation to the new legislation to be brought forward at some un-named future date; it would be good to have someone making key decisions as we’ve had indecision and gridlock for months. However many questions still remain.

Stormont hasn’t sat for over 600 days and Civil servants have been running Northern Ireland for over eighteen months. Even if they are ultimately given the green light to take ownership of making further vital decisions, questions will undoubtedly be asked about transparency and accountability in such a process. We have already witnessed the spectacle of one court case which caused civil servants to virtually bring a halt to decision making.”

   
Commenting further, Robert added:

       
“Where else in the world would be paying previously elected legislators to not legislate, and paying civil servants to take the key ministerial decisions?  This is a farce and Mrs. Bradley’s belated statement does little to re-assure the people of Northern Ireland, who have to work before getting their wages.

   
“All of this highlights the deep-rooted flaws in the current out-dated Stormont system of non-Government. We need to have a serious conversation about the long-term future governance of this place. 

  
For now, an immediate return to direct rule is the only viable solution to allow us to move forward.”

The devastation caused by the fire at the historic Bank Buildings in Belfast has for many led to reminiscing of happier times in the city-  but for others,  it brings back darker memories of our recent past when a simple family shopping trip could so quickly turn to disaster as another IRA bomb ripped through buildings –  creating a haze of smoke and dust and the intense heat of flames; much like the scenes we witnessed on Tuesday.

Although losing such a historic and impressive building at the heart of  our capital city is deeply saddening – this time thankfully there were no screams competing with the wail of sirens.

Not all victims of our troubled past were killed or physically injured – but many remain mainly forgotten due to the fact their wounds are unseen mental scars that will never fully heal.

When they hear Sinn Fein tell us how terrible things like this are,  they reach for the sick bags as they remember vividly what they and their cohorts did to our country not that long ago – and are now lauded as ‘peacemakers’ by the great and good.

We cannot and will not ever allow the past to be glossed over or rewritten to suit their agenda – for the sake of all innocent victims.

By Robert Hill
UKIP Spokesman for Northern Ireland