PRESSURE is mounting on Arlene Foster to publicly state her party's readiness to contest a border poll after two DUP MPs backed Gavin Robinson's call for unionism to prepare itself for a referendum.
In the aftermath of the East Belfast MP's acknowledgement that unionism cannot be complacent and "not to take the status quo for granted", two of his Westminster colleagues voiced support for the remarks made in an interview with The Irish News.
Mr Robinson's comments and the subsequent support from colleagues signals a distinct departure for the DUP, whose representatives previously criticised former party leader Peter Robinson's call for unionism to prepare for a border poll.
The former Belfast lord mayor, tipped by some to be a future party leader, said Mr Robinson, the former first minister, was "absolutely right".
Now Carla Lockhart and Gregory Campbell have said the East Belfast MP was right to suggest that unionists must begin a conversation about how to advance the union in preparation for a unity referendum.
Ms Lockhart, said: "Gavin is taking a very sensible, pragmatic approach – it's vital that we prepare ourselves for the future and any scenario including a border poll.
The Upper Bann MP told the Belfast Telegraph Mr Robinson was "an important voice in the DUP".
East Derry MP Gregory Campbell said he fully supported the East Belfast MP's position.
"The DUP, just as Gavin outlined, has been to the fore in pressing the government and wider unionism to promote the benefits of being part of the United Kingdom, especially in this centenary year," he said.
Mr Campbell highlighted the recent vaccine roll-out by the NHS and British government financial support during the coronavirus pandemic as being some of the advantages the north gained from being part of the UK.
"The Treasury's contribution for many was the difference between business survival and bankruptcy," he said.
A statement on Monday from DUP headquarters also endorsed Mr Robinson's remarks with a spokesperson saying the party wanted "to take every opportunity to promote the benefits that our membership of the United Kingdom brings".
"All of us who value our place within the United Kingdom should continue to highlight the benefits of being within the union," the spokesperson said.
With three of her MPs now publicly stating that unionism must ready itself for a border poll, Mrs Foster is expected to face questions on whether she too endorses the call.
