Former PUP deputy leader John Kyle joins the UUP
The Belfast councillor quit the party over differences of opinion on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former deputy leader of the Progressive Unionist Party John Kyle has joined the Ulster Unionists.
Dr Kyle, a Belfast city councillor, quit the PUP late last year amid differences with the leadership on Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol.
While the PUP wants to see the protocol scrapped entirely, Dr Kyle, an east Belfast-based GP, advocated reforming the arrangements while seeking to maximise the benefits presented by it, such as the unfettered access to both the UK internal market and the EU single market.
John is an impressive man of the utmost integrity who is respected right across the community and wider society
He has served on Belfast City Council since 2007 when he was co-opted following the death of former PUP party leader David Ervine.
The PUP is politically aligned to the paramilitary Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF).
“I am very pleased to be joining the Ulster Unionist Party,” said Dr Kyle.
“I have been impressed with the direction in which Doug (Beattie) has been taking the party with a brand of positive, forward-looking, inclusive unionism. That’s exactly what unionism should be.
“Doug’s vision of a prosperous, respectful and peaceful Northern Ireland in which everyone has a part to play is something that I want to be part of and work towards in the Ulster Unionist Party.”
UUP leader Doug Beattie added: “I warmly welcome John to the Ulster Unionist Party. John is an impressive man of the utmost integrity who is respected right across the community and wider society. He is a committed unionist who is dedicated to promoting Northern Ireland, its people and its place within the United Kingdom.
“Through the many conversations I have had with him, I know we share the same vision for Northern Ireland and a forward-looking, confident unionism. I look forward to working with John in the days ahead. His level-headed approach to politics is refreshing and will be another great addition to the Ulster Unionist team.”