UUP rebels take court action

The three Ulster Unionist MPs suspended from their party two weeks ago are due to take court action today challenging the legality of the suspension.

Jeffrey Donaldson, Martyn Smyth and David Burnside were suspended pending a disciplinary hearing after resigning the UUP whip in Westminster.

The three hardline anti-agreement MPs have claimed that party rules prevent them from being suspended before receiving an opportunity to put their case.

The three men are also challenging the make-up of the disciplinary committee set up to hear their case.