Together UK Foundation
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The Together UK Foundation is a unionist political organisation in the United Kingdom which launched in September 2022.
It seeks to proactively inform and engage debate on the benefits for all constituent parts of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland) to remain together as one sovereign state.
Together UK Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation and is not aligned with any political party.[1]
History[edit]
The Together UK Foundation was established by former First Minister of Northern Ireland, Baroness Arlene Foster.[2] Its purpose: to provide a pro-union voice to counter the nationalist movements occurring in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – and to a lesser extent, England. Mrs Foster wrote in the Sunday Telegraph ‘we aim to make the positive, rational case for maintaining [the union]’.[3]
The organisation has an inclusive approach, hoping to provide a big tent for a broad spectrum of supporters regardless of political ideology, religion, sexual orientation or ethnicity.[4] One of its founding members, Sheila Davidson, is a Roman Catholic from North Belfast and serves on the board.[5]
Together UK Foundation is headed by an all-female board of trustees and it has acquired a large number of advisory members across political, academic, military and business fields.[6][7] It has patrons, including Lady Jane Grosvenor and businessman Neil Lal.[8] Its CEO is Andrew Grocock.
The organisation's official launch was held in London on 23rd November 2022. In attendance was a UK government minister, Steve Baker MP.
Activities[edit]
Following its formation, Together UK Foundation has held private events across the UK and contributed to television and radio debates.
In March 2023, it held an inaugural lecture at Queen’s University Belfast on ‘The United Kingdom: Best for All’ by Professor Cedric Bell.[9][10] In that live streamed event, Bell articulated a case for the union and determined that the emergence of a distinctly Northern Irish identity was promising and best nurtured alongside the Welsh, the Scots and the English.[11]
On 28th April 2023, the organisation held a Scottish launch at Edmiston House in Glasgow.[12] Arlene Foster spoke of the need to challenge suggestions that independence is 'inevitable'.[13] She warned that recurrent independence referendum calls in Scotland invited a 'let them go' mentality among the English. In an article for The Telegraph, Foster encouraged English people to explain why they want Scotland to remain, as otherwise,'It’s not just Scotland that will lose out if they go... The rest of us will all lose out as well.'[14]
References[edit]
- ↑ "Dame Arlene Foster hails 'thriving NHS' and education system as cornerstones of union at launch of Together UK". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2022-11-24. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ↑ Kula, Adam (2022-11-24). "'Separatism is not the answer': Unionist tonic to 'Ireland's Future' launched in London by ex-DUP leader". The News Letter. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ Rainey, Mark (22 Aug 2022). "Arlene Foster behind new Together UK Foundation to promote benefits of Union". News Letter.
- ↑ "BBC Radio Ulster - Red Lines, Let's Stick Together". BBC. 2022-12-07. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ↑ Manley, John (2022-10-08). "Opposing sides in constitutional debate to hold showpiece events on same night in November". The Irish News. Retrieved 2023-06-20.
- ↑ "Pro-union group led by former DUP leader Dame Arlene Foster launches in London". BelfastTelegraph.co.uk. 2022-11-23. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ ITV (2023-07-06). "'We got the band back together': Former Chief Ministers join pro-union campaign group". ITV News. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ "Man behind Humza Yousaf 'safety' row is Scottish Labour donor". The Herald. 2023-03-02. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ Together UK - Belfast 27th March 2023 with Professor Cedric Bell, 27 March 2023, retrieved 2023-06-20
- ↑ "'Unionism needs a figure like Carson to help secure its future'". 2023-03-27. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ Bradfield, Philip (2023-03-10). "Ex-DUP leader Arlene Foster's pro UK group: 'Northern Irish' identity would be subsumed in united Ireland - and new Troubles in Republic would damage its reputation' warns academic". The News Letter. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ "Former first minister spotted in Rangers trophy room on whistle-stop Glasgow tour". The Scottish Sun. 2023-04-29. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ "Arlene Foster fears apathy towards Scottish independence in England". Yahoo News. 2022-12-04. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
- ↑ Hazell, Will; Diver, Tony (2023-02-17). "English may say good riddance to Scots if indyref calls persist, says Arlene Foster". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2024-03-16.
External links[edit]
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