Ulster Unionists will not back deal to devolve policing powers

THE Ulster Unionists said that they would not be supporting the landmark deal to devolve policing powers to Northern Ireland at a crucial Assembly vote next week.

Party leader Sir Reg Empey said the Hillsborough Agreement on law and order transfer and parading was not acceptable in its current form.

While Stormont’s two main parties – Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists – have the electoral strength to push through the accord, a “no” vote from the UUP will deprive them of the unanimous support they crave.