Orange Order Urges PM in Waiting to Address Union Challenges
Orange Order urges PM in waiting – The Orange Order urges PM in waiting Andy Burnham to confront what it describes as significant “challenges to the Union.” This direct appeal comes as Burnham prepares to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Britain’s next Prime Minister. The leadership transition is expected next Monday, bringing potential shifts in how Westminster engages with Northern Ireland.
Grand Secretary’s Criticism of Current Leadership
Rev Mervyn Gibson, Grand Secretary of the Orange Order, has been particularly vocal in his criticism. Beyond calling on Burnham, he has strongly lambasted Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, describing him as a “huge disappointment” to those who hoped for more proactive leadership from the position.
This intervention arrives against a backdrop of considerable political turbulence at Stormont. The multi-party Executive has struggled to reach consensus on a budget for the current financial year, creating uncertainty about governance in the region. Compounding these domestic issues, recent elections have seen nationalist First Ministers returned in both Scotland and Wales.
During a speech at a July 12 parade gathering in Kilrea, County Londonderry, Rev Gibson emphasized the need for “better promotion of the strengths and benefits of the Union.” He outlined a comprehensive vision for how the Union could be presented to various segments of society.
“We need to share those realities with ethnic communities, undecided voters, apathetic voters, non-voters, the younger demographic who identity as constitutionally neutral, those of differing faiths or none, and even soft nationalists,” he explained.
Gibson also addressed the relationship between traditional Unionists and the Alliance Party, suggesting that those who had looked to the Alliance as a solution should be “welcomed home.” He acknowledged that not everyone who supports the Union identifies with traditional Unionist symbols.
“Many of those we need to engage with may not enjoy the sound of the Lambeg or don a sash, but that’s the attraction of true Britishness, it embraces the principles of the Glorious Revolution and practises ‘Civil and Religious Liberty for all – special privileges for none’.”
Looking Ahead to the New Administration
The Orange Order leadership has announced plans to formally communicate with Burnham. Rev Gibson confirmed that they intend to write to him as the “Prime Minister in waiting” to outline their perspective on what would be best for both Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom as a whole.
“Yes, there are challenges for the Union – we have three nationalist leaders in the devolved administrations and there are obvious political issues here in Northern Ireland.”
Rev Gibson was particularly critical of what he perceives as an overly simplistic approach to resolving Stormont’s difficulties. He argued that the answer to challenges at Stormont “can’t simply be the Sinn Féin mantra: ‘Blame it on the Brits’.”
“We deserve better, we deserve mature and sustainable solutions, we deserve politics which works,” he asserted.
Turning his attention to Burnham specifically, Rev Gibson expressed cautious optimism. He noted that while they don’t know for certain whether Burnham will listen, Manchester is geographically closer to Northern Ireland than Downing Street. He added that Burnham’s attitude could not be any worse than that of the current Secretary of State.
“Hilary Benn has been a huge disappointment and our initial hopes for a fair hearing, and at least some action, were soon dashed. He has been so inactive and aloof, he has almost been invisible.”
The Orange Order’s intervention highlights the ongoing importance of Unionist concerns in British politics. With the leadership transition approaching, the organization hopes that Burnham will demonstrate a commitment to addressing these issues with the seriousness they deserve. The coming weeks will reveal whether the new Prime Minister-in-waiting is prepared to engage with these challenges in a meaningful way.
