Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has concluded a visit to Washington DC, describing the trip as a critical platform for advocating for Northern Ireland on a global scale.

Representing both the party and the region in the US capital, Mr Burrows highlighted the necessity of maintaining an active international profile, stating that "if you're not at the table, you're on the menu."

Reflecting on the significance of the mission, Jon Burrows MLA said: "It has been the privilege to represent Northern Ireland and the Ulster Unionist Party in Washington, the capital of the world's largest economy. In an increasingly uncertain world, one truth still holds: if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. My focus throughout this visit was to champion Northern Ireland's interests promoting our skilled workforce, showcasing our world class tourism and hospitality, and making the case for why Northern Ireland remains a strategic partner in defence, innovation, and transatlantic cooperation. From highlighting our UNESCO sites and global golf reputation to underlining the importance of the Union in areas such as energy infrastructure and security, every engagement was an opportunity to put Northern Ireland forward with confidence." While the itinerary included high-profile engagements, such as the Shamrock Reception at the White House and a performance of Where Eagles Fly attended by the President and congressional leaders, Mr Burrows noted that significant progress was made during smaller business forums. He engaged with representatives from British American Business, Invest NI, the NI Chamber, and the FSB, alongside major firms including AstraZeneca and Galgorm.

Regarding these economic discussions, he added: "I set out why Northern Ireland is uniquely positioned for investment: our talent, our location, and our ambition. I was also honoured to visit Arlington Cemetery to pay my respects, remembering the shared sacrifice of our closest ally and the service of my own grandfather who stood alongside US troops during the Second World War. And at the NI Bureau breakfast, seeing local products showcased so proudly reaffirmed the strength of Team NI working tirelessly behind the scenes."

The UUP leader stressed that "turning up matters" in ensuring that Northern Ireland's interests are protected and its potential is recognised by global decision-makers.

He concluded: "That is what leadership demands staying connected to home, standing up for our place in the world, and never missing an opportunity to promote the people and businesses that make Northern Ireland exceptional. Whether engaging with global decision makers or helping resolve a constituency issue from thousands of miles away, I will always prioritise what is right for Northern Ireland. We are a beautiful place to live, a fantastic place to work, and home to some of the most hospitable people you will ever meet. It's time we talked more about what we're getting right."