DUP’s Gavin Robinson accused of ‘backtracking’ on Stormont deal

On Wednesday evening, Mr Robinson addressed his party executive in Lisburn, after it was confirmed he would lead the DUP into the election.

The East Belfast MP was appointed interim leader by party officers in March.

It came after the resignation of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, after he was charged with rape and other historical sex offences, which he said he will strenuously contest.

Mr Robinson said he was looking forward to leading his DUP team into the election with “energy and purpose”.

He addressed Northern Ireland’s place in the union, following arrangements agreed by the DUP and the government aimed at addressing the Irish Sea border.

He said the party would send a clear message to the next government – whether Labour or Conservative – that there was still work to do to improve those new arrangements.

“We will continue to fight to fully restore Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, including removing the application of EU law in our country and the internal Irish Sea Border it creates.”

He said he was urging all unionist voters to set aside “internal debate” in the aim of maximising unionist representation at Westminster.