Belfast, 12 October (H.S.): Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Mike Nesbitt has identified English nationalism as the biggest threat to the United Kingdom's union, overtaking Irish nationalism in the eyes of many unionists. Delivering his keynote address at the party’s annual conference in Belfast, Nesbitt—a former broadcast journalist and now Stormont’s health minister—said sustaining the union will require a unified focus amid shifting political currents.
Nesbitt, in his second consecutive year at the helm of the UUP, declared that concerns about a border poll on Irish unification are overblown in the current climate. While unionists have always looked over their shoulders at Irish nationalists, English nationalism has knocked them off the gold medal spot, Nesbitt told delegates, warning that rising English nationalist sentiment, amplified by right-wing MPs, could negatively impact Northern Ireland’s vital £19 billion annual Treasury subvention.
That’s the real danger of supporting the sort of right-wing parties other unionists currently find so appealing, he cautioned.
As health minister, Nesbitt is already grappling with tough choices due to stretched budgets and ongoing efforts to achieve pay parity for healthcare workers. The conference, themed hope through prosperity, also unfolded against speculation about his political future, amid reports that Nesbitt may decide on his leadership role early next year.
Recent months have seen a visible display of English and union flags across towns and cities, fuelling debate about national identity and rising tensions over immigration. Flag organisers cite pride, but others see provocation in the current climate.While Nesbitt’s speech emphasised renewal and unity within the UUP, the conversation in party corridors was dominated by speculation on succession, given the party’s four leaders in six years.
For now, Nesbitt’s warning highlights the changing landscape of nationalism and the complex path to preserving the union.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
