The newly ratified leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), Jon Burrows MLA, is scheduled to hold his first official meeting with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, at Erskine House.

Accompanied by Deputy Leader Diana Armstrong MLA, the meeting will serve as a platform to discuss critical issues including the Windsor Framework, the Government's Legacy Bill, and the future of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Following these talks, Mr Burrows will travel to the United States for St Patrick's Day alongside Health Minister Mike Nesbitt MLA. The visit is intended to strengthen economic and cultural ties while advocating for Northern Ireland's interests on the international stage.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Jon Burrows MLA said: "I will be travelling to the United States for St Patrick's Day in the interests of Northern Ireland and pragmatic Unionism. Northern Ireland must take every opportunity to secure the very best outcomes for our people. We share a great deal with our American friends, not least through our economic ties, shared history and cultural links, and we must continue to actively promote Northern Ireland's interests on the international stage." Mr Burrows expressed particular concern regarding a potential "funding cliff edge" for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, warning that without urgent government intervention, vital services and thousands of jobs could be jeopardised.

"Tomorrow, I will meet the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, for the first time in my capacity as Leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. I am keen to discuss a number of key issues affecting Northern Ireland, including the ongoing challenges posed by the Windsor Framework, the Government's Legacy Bill, and the looming funding cliff edge facing the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. If the Secretary of State does not urgently address this, thousands of jobs could be lost and vital services placed at risk," he added.

The UUP leader also intended to raise the subject of institutional reform at Stormont, insisting that any changes must adhere to the structures of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

"I will also raise the issue of institutional reform. We need to ensure that Stormont is functioning properly and effectively. Any discussions on reform must be fully in line with Strand One of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, and there can be no role for the Irish Government in matters relating to the internal reform of Northern Ireland's institutions," concluded Mr Burrows.