The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has formally rejected a proposal by Sinn Féin to establish a permanent European Union office in Belfast.

In a joint statement, the party's spokespersons warned that the move serves as a "political stunt" rather than a practical solution for Northern Ireland's economic landscape.

Economy Spokesperson Diana Armstrong MLA and Windsor Framework Spokesperson Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA argued that such an office is unnecessary, citing that Northern Ireland is already represented through the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom. They further expressed concerns that a separate Belfast-based office would challenge UK sovereignty and the constitutional integrity of the nation.

In the joint statement, Diana Armstrong MLA and Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA said: "The Ulster Unionist Party will oppose any call for the establishment of an EU Office in Belfast. Sinn Féin's proposal is nothing more than a political stunt designed to generate headlines rather than deliver practical solutions for Northern Ireland's economy. "Northern Ireland already benefits from representation through the Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Creating a separate EU office here would serve no practical purpose and would raise serious questions about sovereignty. The United Kingdom is a single nation, and Northern Ireland is an integral part of it."

The UUP spokespersons highlighted that local businesses are currently prioritising the reduction of bureaucracy and the protection of the UK internal market over further EU involvement. They referenced the recent Lord Murphy report, which suggested a UK-wide "clearing house" facility as a more effective way to help businesses manage trade across the Irish Sea.

The statement continued: "Sinn Féin's motion claims to offer benefits to businesses while ignoring the reality that the Windsor Framework has created divergence and additional costs, not opportunities. Businesses across Northern Ireland have been clear: what they need is less bureaucracy and more support to trade freely within the UK Internal Market, not another layer of EU involvement.

"Lord Murphy's recent report recognised these challenges and recommended a UK wide clearing house facility to help businesses navigate trade across the Irish Sea. That is a practical solution. An EU office in Belfast is not.

"Northern Ireland's economy needs real leadership and policies that encourage investment, reduce red tape, and strengthen our place within the UK market. The Ulster Unionist Party will continue to advocate for measures that deliver for businesses and consumers, not empty gestures that undermine confidence and sovereignty."