Newry & Armagh Young Unionists

06/06/2026

Today, on the anniversary of D-Day, we remember with profound gratitude the bravery, sacrifice and determination of the generation who fought to defend freedom and liberate Europe from fascism and tyranny.

We pay tribute to all those from Northern Ireland who played their part by air, sea and land. Our soldiers in the Royal Ulster Rifles who stormed Sword Beach and those who landed by glider, and our who sailors protected the seas, and our airmen took to the skies in defence of liberty.

My grandfather Stanley Burrows MBE was one of the men who landed on Sword Beach. His best friend was Hugh Crangles a catholic from West Belfast gave his life in Normandy for our freedom. True patriotism has no place for sectarianism, Crangles was a hero.

From our shipyards and factories to our ports and airfields, Northern Ireland made a vital contribution to victory in Europe. Men and women.

Winston Churchill said, “But for the loyalty of Northern Ireland... we should have been confronted with slavery and death, and the light which now shines so strongly throughout the world would have been quenched".

Those words reflected not only the strategic importance of Northern Ireland, but also the loyalty, courage and resilience of our people in the darkest days of war.

There was no conscription in Northern Ireland for political reasons - but in truth there was no need for it - our people stood up and volunteered to serve.

We also remember that later generations from Northern Ireland would once again stand against evil and violence during the long years of terrorism at home. Members of the Armed Forces, the RUC GC, the UDR, Prison Service and security services showed extraordinary courage in defending democracy, the rule of law and innocent lives during the Troubles.

Today we honour all those who served and sacrificed — those who never returned home, those who carried the wounds of war and terrorism, and the veterans who still live amongst us.

As a people, we should be proud. Proud that when freedom was threatened, Northern Ireland stood firm. Proud of those who answered the call of duty. Proud of the values of service, sacrifice and courage that shaped our history.

The peace and freedom we enjoy today were not freely given. They were secured by brave men and women prepared to stand against fascism abroad and terrorism at home.

We thank them. We remember them. And we will never forget them.

Lest we forget.

05/06/2026

A reckless and dangerous proposal.

When it comes to criminal justice and the powers available to the police, we must see the world as it is - not as we wish it to be.

The Alliance Party, backed by Sinn Féin and the SDLP, is proposing a law change that would deny victims justice, weaken protection for women and girls, and strip the PSNI of the ability to properly investigate serious crimes committed by children under 14.

Let me be clear - our current youth justice system is already proportionate. Very few children are prosecuted. Most are diverted, warned, or supported through intervention programmes.

But this proposal goes far beyond diversion. It would effectively create criminal immunity for serious offending by children under 14.

If passed:

• A 13-year-old suspected of stabbing another child could not even be arrested so police could investigate properly or obtain forensic evidence.

• Sexual harassment and abuse in schools which unions have warned about - including indecent assault, upskirting, downblousing, cyber flashing, and threats of r**e - would be legal if committed by someone a day under 14.

• A 13-year-old joyrider who killed an innocent family could not be prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving. The police couldn’t even fingerprint them.

• The 13-year-old recently convicted in England of aiding and abetting the r**e of two schoolgirls could not even have been investigated under these proposals.

• If the facts of the murder of Jamie Bulger were repeated - the police couldn’t even arrest the murderers. Jamie was 2 years old when he was abducted, tortured and murdered by Robert Thompson and John Venables.

• Thirteen year old petrol bombers who riot at interfaces would actually be deemed not to commit a crime - even if victim was left with life changing burns.

How is that justice for victims?

How does that protect women and girls?

How does that help vulnerable children whose behaviour is spiralling dangerously out of control?

The proposal also makes no meaningful provision for persistent offending. A child could repeatedly commit serious offences and the justice system would be largely powerless to intervene.

This is ideology ahead of public safety.

We need compassion, prevention and early intervention for young people - but we also need accountability, protection for victims, and laws rooted in reality.

I urge people to contact their MLA and ask them to oppose this dangerous proposal.

29/05/2026

Thank-you Jon Burrows MLA, keep
going, your a breath of fresh air for the Ulster Unionist Party & Unionism in Northern Ireland 👏🏻💪🏻

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

02/11/2023

Hi all,
There will be a debate between Doug Beattie and Jeffrey Donaldson on the future of Unionism. The date has yet to be confirmed. If you would be interested in attending please register using the following link.
https://forms.office.com/e/3gJT9i8C51