‘Our Union’ event in Newtownards on 27 May 2025
A public meeting will be held next Tuesday, 27th May at 7.30pm at the Queen’s Hall in Newtownards to debate how best to promote the Union. The meeting is open to all and attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a poll and to question the speakers.
Professor Pete Shirlow and Lee Reynolds have been touring Northern Ireland to talk about how unionists can best promote the Union in 2025. Their speaking tour was featured in an episode of the BBC’s The View in February and on 27th May they come to the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards.
At this event they will be joined by local councillor and pro-Union campaign group Uniting UK representative Philip Smith, and Alison Grundle from WeMakeNI who will chair the event.
The event is titled ‘Our Union: Get the Facts; Shape the Future’ and will feature technology to enable attendees to share their views on the future of unionism.
Quotations.
Event panellist Philip Smith said: “This isn’t just a lecture, those attending will have the opportunity to actively participate through our live interactive poll.
“It is your chance to share your views and help shape the path forward for unionism. Hear directly from a panel of leading experts and activists as they dissect the facts, challenge common myths, and explore new opportunities for unionism.
“I would urge those who value Northern Ireland and the Union and who want to shape the way forward for unionism, to come along and have your say.
“The event is free and open to everyone interested in the future of the Union. This series of events has seen packed halls across Northern Ireland and on Tuesday it is Ards and North Down’s opportunity to have its say.”
Event organiser Trevor Ringland said: “At 7.30 pm on 27th May at Queen’s Hall, Newtownards and event is being held that will inform a debate in which your views will be valued on how we maximise the social and economic potential of Northern Ireland for the benefit of all of us who live here.
“Examine how to further deepen our relationship with the rest of the United Kingdom and appreciate that greater partnership between the people of this island, where it makes sense is something to be relaxed about.
“To inform the debate will be Lee Reynolds and Professor Peter Shirlow with facts highlighting so much that is good about here and a strategy to make what is already good, even better.
“Philip Smith will add suggestions as to the shape of what the future can be, with constructive input welcomed.
“It will all be expertly chaired by Alison Grundle. The ideas will then be considered and a document taking the ideas on board circulated.”
For more information, contact [email protected]
or find the event on Facebook and at:
When? 7.30pm, Tuesday 27 May 2025.
Where? Queen’s Hall, West Street, Newtownards.
More information
Promoting the Union takes all of us:
- Hear the facts, myths and opportunities from our panel of activists and experts.
- Shape the future of Unionism by taking part in our poll on the evening.
Featuring:
- Professor Pete Shirlow: University Professor, Commentator and Author
- Lee Reynolds: Together UK Foundation, Commentator and Activist
- Alderman Philip Smith: Uniting UK, Commentator and Activist
- Alison Grundle: We Make NI and Panel Chair
