DUP 2015 Westminster Manifesto

DUPWestminsterManifesto2015

IncludingThe Northern Ireland Plan

DUP Manifesto 2015 v7:Layout 1 20/04/2015 19:19 Page 1

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Self-evidently, the DUP will not be in a position toform the next UK Government. Indeed, we havealready ruled out playing a part in any coalition.However, our votes could be vital in the formationof the next government. That is why it is importantto set out where we stand on these matters.

It would be unrealistic for us to prepare a manifestowith a view to it being a detailed programme forgovernment for the UK as a whole, but we will onlybe prepared to support a party whose proposalstaken as a whole are in the best interests ofNorthern Ireland in particular and the UK in general.

We are conscious of the fact that DUP MPs will onlymake up a small percentage of all Members ofParliament. However, we expect the national parties toaccept the mandate of the people of Northern Ireland.

This manifesto does not stand in isolation. Itshould be read in conjunction with the DUPsNorthern Ireland Plan which details our agendain the event of the negotiations which will likelyfollow the General Election.

The next Assembly election is scheduled for May2016. At that time we will publish a comprehensivemanifesto which addresses the wide range of issueswhich are devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

We therefore do not seek to cover matters that arethe responsibility of the Northern Ireland Assemblyin any great detail as part of this manifesto.

This manifesto concentrates on the issues which are the responsibilityof the United Kingdom Parliament. In this document we set out wherethe party stands across a range of important issues such as the nationaleconomy, defence and the UK constitution.

Introduction: The Broader Context


Leaders MessageOur Vision: Our Plan:Our Northern Ireland

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We believe our vision, our plan and our manifestocan deliver the best opportunities for NorthernIreland. Our five point plan seeks to:

g Make Northern Ireland an economic powerhouse

g Deliver world class public services forour people

g Create a society based on fairness and opportunity for everyone

g Make politics and government work betterin Parliament and Northern Ireland

g Strengthen the United Kingdom andprotect and enhance our British identity

For us to deliver our plan we need a strong teamof DUP MPs returned to Westminster to negotiatethe best deal for Northern Ireland and strengthenthe United Kingdom.

We want to create a shared and united NorthernIreland that is economically prosperous anddynamic a Northern Ireland that plays a fulland active role as part of the United Kingdom.

We will fight for the interests of everyone inNorthern Ireland.

This is the vision we have for Northern Ireland;the vision that drives us forward; the vision wework for every day; the vision that will transformNorthern Ireland within the Union. It needsthe strongest team in Councils, the Assembly,in Parliament and in Europe.

We will keep Northern Ireland moving forward.

The DUP team is committed and resolved tostand up for you, for Northern Ireland and forthe United Kingdom.

Northern Ireland has a unique opportunity with the likelihood of a hungparliament and our MPs having an important role at Westminster.

Weve been listening to people and communities across Northern Ireland.We share peoples views about what is needed and what they want forNorthern Ireland and for their future.

Deputy Leader /Parliamentary PartyLeaders Message

Over the past five years the strong DUP team inParliament has been working closely with ourcolleagues at Stormont and in Europe. This workwas vital in Northern Ireland steering its waythrough the worldwide economic crisis.

In 2015, the DUP, as the party of Northern Ireland,has an unparalleled opportunity to shape thosedecisions. Every poll and every pundit is predictinga hung parliament and our votes will be vital. Themore votes the DUP has, the more seats the DUPcan have and the more influence Northern Irelandwill have.

The DUP is not beholden to any national party.

We are the only party with a post-election plan tomake the most of this opportunity for NorthernIreland. Only the DUP can deliver. Sinn Fein doesntgo to Parliament. Other parties and independentswill be too small to count.

This is Northern Irelands opportunity to contributeand shape British life like never before.

It is an opportunity for Northern Irelands voice tobe heard in London like never before.

This is our opportunity to stand up for NorthernIreland like never before.

The DUP will seize every opportunity forNorthern Ireland.

Parliament is the institution that makes many of our laws. Its decisions helpdetermine the shape of the national economy. Its decisions determineNorthern Irelands budget. Its decisions determine how much governmenttakes out of, or puts into, your pocket. Its decisions determine when ourArmed Forces are sent to war. Its decisions determine our relationship withthe European Union and immigration policy.

Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MLALeader, Democratic Unionist PartyFirst Minister of Northern Ireland

Rt. Hon. Nigel Dodds OBEDeputy Leader & Parliamentary Party Leader,Democratic Unionist Party


Public Spending,the Deficit andthe National Debt1

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With all the resources at their disposal, none of thenational parties have yet produced a detailed, fullycosted and independently verified plan on thesethree intertwined matters. The manifestos becomean indicator or aspiration that will be subject tointer-party negotiations. Nonetheless it would beunrealistic to imagine that the direction set by oneof the two main national parties will not form thesubstantial element of a programme for government.

Public spending, the deficit and the national debtwill therefore be determined by two key factors:Firstly, the strength and sustainability of oureconomic recovery and secondly, the politicalarithmetic and realities of a post-election parliament.

Our experience suggests that whether in theimmediate aftermath of the election or whenkey votes take place in Parliament the partyof government will seek our support. In thesecircumstances the DUP has been open andtransparent about what it wants. We have set outour five principles, published the Northern IrelandPlan and produced this manifesto. Inside or outsidea formal arrangement we will seek to advance asmuch of this agenda as we can in our dealingswith the national government. We will seek thebest deal possible to strengthen Northern Ireland.

In broad terms, to secure strong and lasting growthin our economy we believe it best if governmentinvests in the drivers for growth enterprise,innovation, skills and infrastructure to sustain andbuild the economic recovery. As a responsible partywe want to see the budget deficit eliminated. However,we recognise that the rush to reduce and eliminate thedeficit can have an impact on growth. After fiveyears of sustained and deep cuts, the DUP believesthat any further significant reductions to front-lineservices in areas that affect Barnett consequentialswould be harmful.

Among the fundamental budget requirements forNorthern Ireland that we will campaign for are:

g A budget settlement which will allow real term increases in health and education spending over the next five years without decimating other key public services.

g Capital investment to make our schools and hospitals fit for the twenty-first century.

g Assistance to continue the reform and transformation of our public services.

Welfare Reform and PensionsThe DUP, in the Executive, has brought forwardproposals that protect people in Northern Irelandfrom the bedroom tax. We want the remainder ofthe United Kingdom to gain parity with NorthernIreland. The DUP, in Parliament, will thereforesupport the abolition of the spare room subsidy.

Universal Credit must be allowed to bed down,enabling a proper evaluation of its impact. The bestmechanism to reduce welfare spending is economicgrowth getting those who can work, into work.

Thus, the DUP will assess any welfare proposal onthese three tests:

g Will it incentivise work?

g What protection does it provide for those mostin need?

g What impact will it have upon the costs of administration?

Proposals such as taxing disability benefits would failsuch tests.

The DUP supports the triple lock on the state pensionand will oppose plans to means test present universalbenefits for pensioners.

Tax evasion Aggressive recovery that is properly resourcedWe support the introduction of a more aggressiveand targeted recovery strategy that is properlyresourced.

Value Added Tax and the Hospitality SectorThe DUP will oppose any increase to VAT rates orupward re-categorisation of goods. The UK currentlyapplies one of the highest rates of VAT on hotelaccommodation in Europe. It is hampering thedevelopment of this key sector. The hospitalitysector should be re-categorised and benefit froma reduced rate. This will help the sector pay forcapital improvement works providing a boost tothe construction sector.

The DUP has a sense of perspective on the role it may play on the issuesof determining public expenditure, the deficit and the national debt. Theresponsibility for producing a detailed plan will fall to whichever nationalparty becomes the government. The role of the DUP, as for other minorparties, will be to exert as much influence as possible on the governmentsprogramme in return for support. For our part we have already publishedThe Northern Ireland Planwhich details policies and proposals which wouldform our agenda for discussions with any prospective party of government.


A fair share ofthe growingeconomy2

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The Great Britain and Northern Ireland economiesare growing again and growing quicker than mostparts of Europe. Despite this progress, manyhardworking families are still not feeling any realbenefit flowing from the economic recovery. TheDUP wants everyone to get their fair share of thisgrowing economy.

Our national government must therefore use the toolsat its disposal to ensure that those who suffered duringthe downturn enjoy real benefit from this new growth.

Increase the Minimum WageThe Low Pay Commission (LPC) has stated that thevalue of the Minimum Wage grew between 1999 to2009 but has fallen since. The next government musttake advantage of low inflation and the growingeconomy to restore its value. It should work with theLPC on a five-year plan to restore the real value ofthe Minimum Wage. This plan would ensure thelowest paid receive above inflation rises over thenext five years.

Increase the Personal Tax AllowanceThe DUP will support proposals to raise the personalallowance to at least 12,500 by the end of the nextparliamentary term. This measure benefits alltaxpayers but takes the lowest paid out of the taxsystem entirely.

Freeze then cut or abolish the TV licence andreform the BBCThe licence fee is a highly regressive tax. It was a taxdesigned for a different era and world of communicationand entertainment that no longer exists.

An independent Commission should be established toconduct a review of how the BBC is structured andthe services it provides. The aim of the Commissionshould be to consider the role of the BBC as a publicbroadcaster, to examine alternative funding models,identify the opportunities for competitive tenderingof key services and produce a plan that will eithersignificantly reduce the licence fee or abolish italtogether. There may be consequential changes forthe management of the new structure.

Abolishing Air Passenger DutyAir Passenger Duty (APD) has a disproportionateimpact on the regions farthest from the mostprosperous South East. The duty therefore harmsNorthern Irelands business and tourism sectors.It hurts family incomes and harms our economy.The exemption of children from the tax is a partialadmission of the negative impact it places onpassengers. As the duty is a disincentive to travel it is bad policy.

Over the next parliamentary term Air PassengerDuty should be abolished.

More and better paid jobsFor those in poverty, a paid job delivers bettereconomic, social and health outcomes. NorthernIreland has an unparalleled record of job creation.Equally important a high percentage of those jobshave been well-paid. Unemployment has now fallenin Northern Ireland for 27 consecutive months.

The DUP believes in social mobility and raisingpeople out of poverty through work; the higher thesalary the better for the employee, our economyand Northern Ireland.

The DUP promoted policy of devolving corporationtax setting powers to the Northern Ireland Executivewill help deliver tens of thousands of new jobs. Thiswill enable Northern Ireland to become an economicpowerhouse and a beacon of economic successwithin the United Kingdom.

Supporting you and your family As in the rest of the UK, many families in NorthernIreland struggle with the cost of childcare with somepaying up to one third of their family income everymonth creating financial pressures for workingfamilies. We support the introduction of a range ofmeasures that would limit the cost of childcare to amaximum of 12% of family income. This will beachieved by supporting a Northern Ireland-wide rollout of affordable models of childcare, supportingchildminders and private provision. However, toachieve a target of no more than 12% would alsorequire enhancements and new proposals at a UK-wide level.

We support increasing the amount of help availableunder the new UK-wide tax free Childcare Schemeand identifying a range of other UK-wide measuresincluding through the tax system to support familieswith high childcare costs.

The DUP is a low tax party. It has worked hard to help family incomes byblocking water charges, delivering the lowest household taxes in the UnitedKingdom and helping to create thousands of new jobs.


Leading the Way onthe Northern IrelandEconomy3

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RebuildingIn the past five years Northern Ireland has shownits capacity to attract investment across the globe.We have been steadily rebuilding our economy and repairing the damage of the global collapse.Despite often difficult circumstances, the DUP hasdelivered record levels of investment and for 27consecutive months the unemployment claimantcount has fallen.

g Over the last four years, the Northern Ireland Executive has helped to create over 22,000new jobs.

g Support from the Northern Ireland Executivehas resulted in over 3.4 billion investment.

g The number of people unemployed has fallen from 67,000 in December 2010 to 45,000 today.

g In the last year Northern Ireland has been the most successful location in the UK for attracting foreign direct investment per head of population.

g Northern Ireland has become a go to location for global companies, with more firms investing here than during any similar period in history.

Much has been done but there is much more to do.Northern Ireland was once an economic powerhousewith Belfast being one of the worlds leadingindustrial locations. We want to re-establishourselves as world leaders in this new era.

Rebalancing Sustained growth in the private sector particularlyexport-led growth will act as the main catalyst forrebalancing the local economy. This will be achievedthrough:

g Negotiating more satisfactory terms in relationto Corporation Tax.

g UK wide tax policy improvements to encourage economic growth in Northern Ireland.

g Assistance from the UK Government to attract FDI into Northern Ireland.

g Northern Ireland businesses getting a fair shareof national government contracts.

g Increased infrastructure investment to assist in preparing Northern Ireland for the future.

g Help from the UK Government to market Northern Ireland internationally through its agencies and Embassies across the world.

g The UK Government encouraging international events to be staged in Northern Ireland.

g Northern Ireland being prominently incorporated into UK branding.

g Ensuring that Northern Ireland maintains its 100%regional aid status.

g Support to help reduce electricity costs for business customers.

g Innovate UK establishing a Northern Ireland presence.

g Ensuring that schemes developed by theBritish Business Bank are tailored to suitNorthern Ireland.

g The fundamental reform of zero hours contracts including the removal of exclusivity.

g Ensuring energy security in terms of supply and cost to both consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland.

New Partnerships for World Class ServicesThe DUP has encouraged greater innovation in thepublic sector through the Public Sector ReformInitiative. The DUP supports:

g The opportunities of open data and new technology to change completely the way we deliver services.

g The public, private and social economysectors working closely together to maximise economic growth.

g Expansion of the social economy as a valuable resource for improving the prosperity of our communities and lessen reliance on grant funding.

ConnectivityNorthern Irelands transport connections andnetworks are vital for our growth.

The DUP supports:

g The expansion of airport capacity in Southern England. We believe that Heathrow is the best solution, but we will support the recommendations of the Airport Commission.

g Enhanced connectivity to Great Britain including guaranteeing direct access from Northern Irelandto Londons hub airports.

g An independent investigation into ferry price structures on North Channel and Irish Sea routes between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

g A feasibility study into a tunnel or enclosed bridge across the North Channel from Larne to the Scottish coastline.

The DUP recognises the vital importance of ensuringNorthern Ireland has world class digital connectivityacross both our urban centres and rural communities.Without such connectivity investors will not invest inNorthern Ireland and many of our local businesseswill not be able to grow to their full potential. It isessential we maintain and develop the digital backbonewithin Northern Ireland and our digital links withGreat Britain, Europe and the United States.

The DUP will continue to press the mobile telephonyproviders to invest in their networks ensuring 4Gprovision across Northern Ireland and also ensuringNorthern Ireland is not left behind with furthertechnological developments.


Traditionsand identity4

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Marking the Decade of CentenariesThe DUP will seek to ensure Northern Ireland is a fullparticipant in the Centenary Events Programme. Thepoppy installation at the Tower of London caughtthe public imagination and became a 21st centuryiconic image of Britishness.

The DUP proposes that this can be further marked by:

g Extending to Northern Ireland a scheme to support school visits to World War 1 battle sites and curriculum support similar to those which have been introduced in England.

g Bringing the arrangements of the Community Covenant Grant into line with every other regionof the United Kingdom.

g A national commemoration of the Battle ofthe Somme.

g Celebrating the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021 and the commissioning of an official history.

National Flag and SymbolsThe most basic expression of our national identity isthe display and use of symbols in the public realm.

The extent of flag flying has changed over the yearswith all-year displays becoming more common. TheDUP proposes:

g The Union Flag should be displayed on an all-year basis from key public buildings throughout the United Kingdom.

g The Union Flag should be displayed on drivinglicences across the United Kingdom.

g The International 2 and 3 letter signifier for our country should drop GB and adopt UK.

g The British Olympic Association should change its name to Team UK or use its full name Team GBNI.

ParadingThe DUP has worked closely with the Loyal Ordersto deliver positive benefits. The DUP has alreadydelivered the de-rating scheme for Orange Halls,changed the compensation scheme to help hallsdamaged in sectarian attacks and secured thegrounds of Stormont for the Ulster CovenantCentenary parade.

The legal responsibility for parades lies with the UKParliament. With the present system so intrinsicallybiased against the Loyal Orders there is a disincentivefor republicans to negotiate either at a senior politicallevel or in localised areas. This imbalance needs tobe addressed.

The DUP wants:

g A new start on parades including the abolition of the Parades Commission. We will work alongside the Loyal Orders to achieve this.

Deepening the bondsA new charitable body should be established andresourced by the UK Government to promotelinkages between the four constituent parts of theUnited Kingdom, based on the model of Co-operationIreland. This organisation would be charged with:

g Promoting exchanges and linkages between schools, youth organisations and civic groups.

g Promoting a national historical narrative for the United Kingdom and its global impact including the contribution of its four constituent parts.

g Supporting school visits to the national parliament, devolved bodies and major public buildings and institutions (Buckingham Palace, National Arboretum, Whitehall Cenotaph, Imperial War Museum, National Portrait Gallery).

Service TogetherThe National Citizenship Service should be furtherdeveloped and remodelled. It should include a year-long youth development programme working in thefour capital cities of the UK.

By the end of the parliamentary term, there shouldbe a plan to expand this into a national nine monthprogramme with a place for every young personbetween 16 and 24. This should include the options ofspending that time in the Armed Forces or travellingto another part of the UK to participate inprogrammes.


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StrengtheningInter-GovernmentalRelationships acrossthe United Kingdom5

Make politicsand Governmentwork better inNorthern Ireland6

We have built strong and solid relationships with themajor Westminster parties to allow us to maximiseour influence. We want to strengthen the UnitedKingdom as a whole. The DUP calls for:

g The principle of devolution to be respected by Westminster.

g A guaranteed seat at the Cabinet for a Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

g An agreed guaranteed minimum level of representation for Northern Ireland in the House of Commons.

g A fair deal for all four parts of the United Kingdomto strengthen the Union.

g National UK departments to carry out administrative operations in Northern Ireland.

g A new relationship between the regional administrations and the National Government.

g Arrangements to ensure Northern Irelands perspective is taken into account across Government and direct access to decision makers.

g Northern Irelands priorities promoted in Europe.

For us to deliver the kind of changes andimprovements that we want to see, we will need thesupport of Westminster to make sure that politicsoperates better in Northern Ireland. The DUP wants:

g Support to strengthen the political process in Northern Ireland.

g Westminster support for continued constitutional stability in Northern Ireland.

g Legislation to reform the structure of government in Northern Ireland.

g Allowances removed from parties who refuse to attend the House of Commons.

g A level playing field by banning all political donations from outside the UK.

Defenceand Veterans7

We believe that the most important duty of agovernment is to protect its citizens and the nation.A strong defence policy and well-resourced andproperly equipped Armed Forces are essential toensure the safety of our country.

The DUP is proud of the contribution that our ArmedForces make to the security of our nation and theworld and recognises that Northern Ireland puncheswell above its weight when it comes to the bravemen and women who serve in the Armed Forces.The Armed Forces serve us with distinction inconflict zones across the world, providing bothmilitary and humanitarian support. We recall thesacrifice of those who have fallen in the service ofour country and pledge to ensure that they and theirloved ones are not forgotten.

The massive shifts in international relations, forms ofwarfare and rapid development and spread of newthreats in the world require an adaptable and flexiblestrategy. It remains our view that in order to defendour national interests and our people, we need tokeep our Armed Forces strong.

In the next Parliament, the DUP believes that thereare four key issues that must be addressed:

Defence SpendingThe DUP believes that UK Defence spending shouldnot fall below 2% of GDP.

Defence ReviewThe next Strategic Defence and Security Reviewmust ensure that our Armed Forces are capable oftackling multiple deployments, including as part of amulti-national force or on our own.

Defence PolicyThe United Kingdom must retain its own strong,independent defence policy with sufficientresources dedicated to each of the Services andthe retention of an independent nuclear deterrent.The appropriate institution for international militaryco-operation is the North Atlantic TreatyOrganisation not the European Union.

Military CovenantThe Military Covenant should be implemented fullyand in an equivalent manner in all parts of the UK.There should be a national entitlement for presentand former members of the Armed Forces.

In addition, we believe that the National ArmedForces Day celebrations should rotate around allthe constituent parts of the UK.


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EuropeanUnion8 Immigrationandintegration9

The DUP believes that the people of the UnitedKingdom should have a say on future UKmembership of the European Union. At Westminsterour MPs have been at the forefront of the campaignfor a referendum on the European Union.

We support the current UK Government pledge torenegotiate elements of our relationship with theEuropean Union.

The UK needs to build a national consensus on theissue of immigration. This must reflect the value ofimmigrants to the UK and also their impact onindigenous communities. By limiting the numberand nature of those who can come from abroad wecan help reduce tensions which have damagedcommunity relations in recent times. As part of thisconsensus there should be:

g Stronger border controls.

g A recognition of the contribution of immigrants.

g Support for local communities to help integrate those from abroad.

g A requirement that people must contribute toour country before they can access benefitsand services.

g A joined up immigration and Integration service.

ForeignAffairs10

Maintaining a diplomatic presence acrossthe world The UKs influence on the world stage and ability tobe an effective player is dependent on a strongglobal presence and a Foreign and CommonwealthOffice with first class people and skills. The nextgovernment must ensure that such work is properlyfunded, especially during a time of such globaluncertainty.

Defending British Sovereignty The DUP supports the people of the Falklands andGibraltar. Their expressed desire to remain linked tothe United Kingdom is admirable and must berespected and if necessary defended.

Supporting Persecuted MinoritiesIn the last Parliament, the DUP urged the governmentto take seriously international human rights abusesagainst Christians and other faith groups. We continueto be concerned about the persecution of religiousminorities. We will continue to use our influence toensure that this issue is taken seriously and that theForeign and Commonwealth Office actively engagewith the leadership of the countries in which thesehuman rights violations occur.


TheNorthernIrelandPlan

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Law andOrder11

National Crime AgencyThe National Crime Agency (NCA) is an essential toolin tackling serious organised crime in the UnitedKingdom whether it is drug dealing, racketeering,smuggling or the activity of child pornography andexploitation. Northern Ireland is cursed withwidespread fuel laundering which denies theExchequer much needed revenue and causessignificant environmental damage.

Now that our law enforcement agencies have thisessential resource it must be put to full use.

New Psychoactive Substances The DUP has been active in seeking a UK-wide banon new psychoactive substances (frequently referredto as legal highs). We will encourage the newGovernment to introduce, as one of the first piecesof legislation, a Bill to tackle the scourge of newpsychoactive substances.

The subject matter of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 isa reserved matter, and through a new Bill the DUPwishes to:

g Create a new UK-wide offence to deal withso-called head shops by prohibiting distribution of these substances for human consumption.

g Classify synthetic cannabinoids based on their effects on the brain rather than their chemical composition.

These were two of the key recommendations fromthe Home Office Expert Panel Review instigatedfollowing correspondence from the DUP HealthMinister in Northern Ireland back in 2013. The DUPsupports the ongoing close engagement betweenDHSSPS in Northern Ireland and the Home Officeon this matter.

TerrorismParliament remains responsible for anti-terrorismlegislation. Locally, nationally and internationallyterrorism continues to be a significant problem. InNorthern Ireland, the dissident republican threat,despite the many successes of the police andintelligence services, still causes disruption and a realrisk to our community. There is a growing threatfrom extremist groups many with internationalconnections. These groups continue to evolve.

A review of the present terrorism legislationThe DUP believes that considering the multi-facetedevolving and insidious nature of the terrorist threat itwould be appropriate to review whether presentarrangements need to be updated or upgraded.

This review should include:

g Implementation of the Intelligence and Security Committee recommendations for a new singleact to govern communications monitoring by intelligence agencies.

g A UK wide definition of a victim which excludes perpetrators.

g Changes to the glorification of terrorism offences with an examination of the 20 year time limit.

g Consideration of whether representation on the Intelligence and Security Committee should include representation from the regions of the UK.


To deliver our plan we need a strongteam of DUP MPs returned toWestminster to negotiate a good dealfor Northern Ireland in the event of ahung parliament.

Only a vote for the DUP will deliver ourclear plan for a better Northern Irelandand a stronger United Kingdom.

We want to create a shared and unitedNorthern Ireland that is economicallyprosperous and plays a full and activerole as part of the United Kingdom.

We will use our position at Westminsterto strengthen the UK and to seek thebest deal for Northern Ireland.

We will fight for the interests ofeveryone in Northern Ireland.

Since devolution was restored to Northern Ireland in 2007real progress has been made across a range of areas.Despite all of the political ups and downs, Northern Irelandis slowly but surely moving in the right direction again.

Over these last eight years we have been working tosecure Northern Irelands position within the UK, to helpgrow our economy, to offer opportunity to all and to buildreconciliation and address the legacy of the past.

This challenge has been made all the more difficult byvirtue of the global economic downturn, the reduction inpublic expenditure available to the Northern IrelandExecutive and the system of government we operate.

In spite of this, things are changing for the better. Thetransformation is visible wherever you look. NorthernIreland is now a venue not just for international investment,but for events that would not have considered cominghere just a few years ago.

We have a plan for where we want Northern Ireland to bein 2021, the hundredth anniversary of Northern Irelandscreation. We have been working to deliver it.

However, the election on 7 May will give Northern Irelandthe opportunity of a lifetime to transform our Province forgenerations. It is highly likely that after that election nosingle party will have enough seats to command amajority in the House of Commons. That means that thevotes of our MPs could be crucial.

Political commentators have consistently stated that theDUP could be crucial in what looks likely to be a hungParliament. The DUP will use such a position to negotiateon behalf of Northern Ireland.

This document sets out some of our key priorities fordiscussion with the parties which could form the nextgovernment. It also sets out what we will do to createthe kind of Northern Ireland we all wish to see.

Our priorities

Make Northern Irelandan economicpowerhouse

Deliver world classpublic services forour people

Create a society basedon fairness andopportunity for everyone

Make politics andGovernment work betterin Northern Ireland

Strengthen the United Kingdomand protect and enhanceour British identity

We have a positive plan for Northern Ireland

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FROM WESTMINSTER, WE WANT:

g More satisfactory terms in relation toCorporation Tax;

g The national debt and deficit addressed in away which secures economic growth andlong-term prosperity while protecting essential public services;

g UK wide tax policy improvements to encourage economic growth in Northern Ireland;

g Assistance from the UK Government to attract FDI into Northern Ireland;

g Northern Ireland businesses to be in a position to get a fair share of national government contracts;

g Increased infrastructure investment to assist us in preparing Northern Ireland for the future;

g Enhanced connectivity to Great Britain including guaranteeing direct access from Northern Ireland to Londons hub airports;

g Help from the UK Government to market Northern Ireland internationally through its agencies and Embassies across the world;

g The UK Government to encourage international events to Northern Ireland;

g Northern Ireland prominently incorporated into UK branding;

g Ensure that Northern Ireland maintains its 100% regional aid status;

g Support to help reduce electricity costs for business customers;

g Innovate UK to establish a Northern Ireland presence;

g Ensure that schemes developed by theBritish Business Bank are tailored to suitNorthern Ireland.

LOCALLY, WE WILL:

g Make Northern Ireland the most attractive regionin the whole of western Europe to invest in;

g Set a low rate of Corporation Tax in Northern Ireland for the long-term from 2017;

g Freeze the non-domestic Regional Rate in real terms to help local businesses;

g Promote 25,000 new jobs by 2020;

g Balance our budget each and every year;

g Continue to make growing our economy the number one priority;

g Create the environment in Northern Ireland where local business can prosper;

g Provide a well educated and skilled workforce;

g Take the decisions to make sure our people can take advantage of new economic opportunities;

g Remove the barriers to economic growth;

g Reform our planning system;

g Build more economic and transport infrastructure for the future;

g Continue to invest in our tourism infrastructure;

g Bring international events to Northern Ireland;

g Put Northern Ireland on the map internationally and attract visitors from abroad.

Make Northern Irelandan economic powerhouse

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WHERE WE ARE

In doing so we are building on firm foundations thathave been laid over the last few years. In 2007 wemade growing our economy the Executivesnumber one priority. The restoration of devolutionto Northern Ireland has created the peace andpolitical stability to encourage foreign directinvestment at record levels. In fact despite theworldwide economic downturn more jobs havebeen created in Northern Ireland over the last fouryears than at any time in recorded history. Globalbusinesses establishing in Northern Ireland are nowthe norm rather than the exception.

Our claimant count has been falling for over 25months and our headline rate of unemployment isbroadly in line with the UK average. For the firsttime in many years Northern Ireland is emergingfrom an economic downturn alongside, rather thanafter the rest of the UK.

After years of campaigning we managed topersuade the UK Government to allow theAssembly to set a Northern Ireland Corporation TaxRate and previously had secured the devolution ofAir Passenger Duty for long-haul flights.

We have attracted international events to NorthernIreland from the Giro dItalia to the Irish Open Golfand from the European MTV Awards to the WorldPolice and Fire Games. We have invested in ourtourism infrastructure with signature projects suchas Titanic Belfast and the Giants Causeway VisitorCentre and of course Northern Ireland is nowknown worldwide as the home of the hit HBOtelevision series, Game of Thrones.

With the right support we can build upon theimportant work that has been done in recent years tomake sure that Northern Ireland once again plays itspart as an economic driver within the United Kingdom.

A century ago Ulster was an economic powerhouse within the British Isles:today with the right investment, policies and dedication we have the potentialto create the conditions where we can be so once again. To do so we needhelp from Westminster and we need to take bold steps at home as well. Theinfluence that we may have after this election gives us the once in a lifetimeopportunity to transform our economic fortunes for generations to come.



g A budget settlement which will allow real term increases in health and education spending over the next five years without decimating other keypublic services;

g Capital investment to make our schools and hospitals fit for the twenty first century;

g Assistance to reform and transform ourpublic services.

LOCALLY, WE WILL:

g Prioritise spending on health, education and growing the economy;

g Set ambitious targets to cut wasteful spending;

g Reform the delivery of public services to ensure that they meet the needs and expectations of the public;

g Advance an ambitious e-government agenda, seeking to deliver an increasing number of public services via digital and online channels, making services more accessible to citizens;

g Implement new and innovative sources of financing for infrastructure projects and thethird sector;

g Expand the scope and scale of Northern Ireland'sgovernment shared services system;

g Develop a comprehensive Civil Service Reform Plan with the aim of achieving a public sector fit for the challenges of the 21st Century;

g Continue to construct a public sector reform architecture that enables the Northern Ireland Executive to adopt innovative solutions to public service challenges.

Deliver world classpublic servicesfor our people

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WHERE WE ARE

With the reduction in public expenditure over recentyears we have had to prioritise what we need mostand focus on what matters most to our people.

In spite of the 1.5 billion reduction, in real terms, inthe funding we receive in Northern Ireland, over thelast eight years we have made health andeducation our top two priorities in terms of publicexpenditure. As a result we have increases inspending on health by 33% and education by 23%since 2007. That has allowed us to make sure wespend the money available to us on the areas thatmatter most to the general public.

As part of this process we have set ambitioustargets in terms of achieving savings acrossgovernment departments. As a result in the lasttwo Assembly terms savings of over 4 billion havebeen achieved to free up money from importantfront-line services. Those savings have been criticalto ensuring we continue to deliver the best qualitypublic services.

Since the restoration of devolution we have alsoinvested more in capital spending in areas such asschools, hospitals and roads than at any point in ourhistory. That has meant more new schools, hospitalsand roads and other key capital infrastructure.

The Northern Ireland Executive has also undertakena significant programme of public sector reformwith major changes in education administration, thehealth service and in local government. Thesedecisions will allow more resources to be targetedon front line services and less on administration infuture years.

We have played our part in making the best use ofthe resources that are available to us but it isalways the dedication and commitment of thosewho work in the public sector that ensures worldclass public services can be delivered.

The challenges of delivering world class publicservices will only increase in the years to come butwith support from Westminster and the rightdecisions taken at home we can not only meet butexceed expectations of our people.

One of the most important duties of any government is to deliver high qualitypublic services. This task is challenging given the increasing expectations andincreased demand and the reduction in public expenditure available toNorthern Ireland. However, despite the difficulties we have sought to meetthe needs of our people by prioritising our key public services, saving moneyby cutting waste and by reforming the services that we deliver.



g Welfare Reform to incentivise work but also protect those most in need;

g The removal of the bedroom tax at anational level;

g A national entitlement to enhanced support for members of the Armed Forces across theUnited Kingdom;

g Victims and Members of the Armed Forces, serving and retired to be given protected status, akin to the protection for groups under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act;

g A UK wide definition of a victim which excludes perpetrators;

g To ensure economic migrants must have contributed to the UK before they are entitled toclaim benefits;

g Proper border controls and a tougher immigration policy;

g A UK wide charter for animal protection.

LOCALLY, WE WILL:

g Give additional support to those individuals and communities that need help;

g Ensure we protect those most in genuine need through our welfare system;

g Work to expand affordable childcare forworking families;

g Create an education system that guarantees a fair start and opportunity for every child;

g Make Higher Education affordable for all;

g Prioritise the needs of our older people through anti discrimination legislation;

g Protect existing benefits for older people such asfree bus passes;

g Help families by keeping household taxes the lowest in the United Kingdom;

g Be tough on crime;

g Support tougher sentences for those who attackolder people and vulnerable people.

Create a society basedon fairness and

opportunity for everyone

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WHERE WE ARE

We have been working to achieve the twin goals offairness and opportunity for all in recent yearsthrough a range of measures.

Through the Stormont House Agreement wesought to deliver affordable changes to the welfaresystem that would protect the most vulnerable butwould also encourage people back to work. Thatincludes ensuring that the bedroom tax is not inoperation in Northern Ireland.

In dealing with the issue of welfare reform it is vitalthat we keep the proper balance betweenenhancing the GB welfare system and theprotection of front-line public services.

We have sought to keep higher education open to allby keeping student fees much lower than in England.

Through the Social Investment Fund we haveworked with communities to deliver programmestailored to meet their specific needs. ThroughDelivering Social Change we have invested inmeasures such as additional support for children todeliver good GCSE results. We are working on arevolutionary new Childcare system that could helptransform the sector. We have extended supportfor older people including through the freetransport scheme.

To encourage opportunity for all, in education wehave also retained selection based on academicability and not the ability to pay.

In the departments for which we have responsibilitywe are doing everything within the law to ensurethat our Armed Forces, veterans and dependantshave every possible support.

We have also ensured that local household taxes inNorthern Ireland are significantly lower thananywhere else in the UK and have resisted theintroduction of Water Charges.

While we have achieved much in this area we willneed the help and support of Westminster todeliver on some of our key outstanding objectives.

One of our key goals has been to ensure that everyone can benefit from thenew era that Northern Ireland has now entered and no one is left behind. Thatmeans there must be the opportunity for everyone to succeed and a fair andlevel playing field for all. This approach will not only create a society based onfairness but it will maximise the interests of Northern Ireland as a whole.



g Support to strengthen the political process in Northern Ireland;

g Constitutional stability for Northern Ireland;

g Legislation to reform the structure of government in Northern Ireland;

g The principle of devolution to be respectedby Westminster;

g A guaranteed seat at the Cabinet for a Secretaryof State for Northern Ireland;

g An agreed guaranteed minimum level of representation for Northern Ireland in the House of Commons;

g Allowances removed from parties who refuse to attend the House of Commons;

g No side deals with Republicans;

g A level playing field by banning all political donations from outside the UK.

LOCALLY, WE WILL:

g Deliver strong and stable government;

g Secure the improved level of peace and political progress that has been made;

g Make politics work for the benefit of the people;

g Implement the changes to government set out in the Stormont House Agreement;

g Work to provide for an Official Oppositionat Stormont;

g Work with other parties to agree further improvements to government in Northern Ireland;

g Advocate an end to the present divisive communitydesignation arrangements in the Assembly;

g Seek to persuade others to end mandatory coalition government in Northern Ireland;

g Campaign to cut the cost of government and reduce its size;

g Work to maximise public confidence in the political institutions in Northern Ireland.

Make politics andGovernment work better

in Northern Ireland

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WHERE WE ARE

In seeking to create a better system of governmentwe should remember the progress that we havemade. The St Andrews Agreement corrected someof the key flaws of the Belfast Agreement but wecontinue to work towards more normal politics inNorthern Ireland.

As a result of these changes important decisionsrequire Executive approval and we have a vetoover all big issues.

After years of debate and dispute we negotiatedappropriate arrangements which allowed Policingand Justice powers to be passed to the Assemblyin 2010 on a basis which requires the JusticeMinister to be able to command a cross communitymajority and have operated well since.

For many years we have campaigned for changesto how devolution operates. Some of theseobjectives were delivered as part of the talksprocess which concluded last Christmas.

The Stormont House Agreement made provisionfor a reduction in the number of MLAs which willtake effect no later than 2021. It also agreed tocreate arrangements for an official opposition atStormont and better processes for the Executive.

We have agreed a reduction in the number ofgovernment departments from twelve to nine anda reordering of functions to improve the delivery ofpublic services. This will also mean a fundamentalchange and to OFMDFM and a more strategicfocus with a new name, The Executive Office.

For us to deliver the kind of changes andimprovements we want to see we will need thesupport of Westminster to make sure that politicsoperates better in Northern Ireland.

For the first time in generations, despite all of the challenges and difficulties,Northern Ireland has had almost eight years of uninterrupted devolution. Giventhe history of the last fifty years this is in itself a remarkable achievement.

During this time we have overcome many problems and have put in placearrangements that have been robust and stable. We do not seek to doanything which will threaten the long term stability of the political institutionshowever, we must now make sure that it works better in delivering for thepeople we represent.



g A fair deal for all four parts of the United Kingdom to strengthen the Union;

g Protection in law for the official display of the Union Flag and the symbols of our nation;

g National events to celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021 and to commemorate the Battle of the Somme;

g National UK departments to carry out administrative operations in Northern Ireland;

g A new relationship between the regional administrations and the National Government;

g Arrangements to ensure Northern Irelands perspective is taken into account across Government and direct access to decision makers;

g Northern Irelands priorities promoted in Europe;

g A renegotiation of the UKs role in Europe and an early referendum on the European Union;

g Commit to the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defence;

g No partisan political deals which would weaken the United Kingdom;

g Legislation for a new way forward on parading which respects the fundamental rights of assembly.

LOCALLY, WE WILL:

g Play our full part in the National Parliamentat Westminster;

g Play a constructive role in UK-wide intergovernmental relations;

g Make sure Northern Ireland continues to contribute to the life of the nation;

g Sell the benefits of the United Kingdom to the widest possible audience in Northern Ireland;

g Display the flag and symbols of our nation appropriately and with respect;

g Support the roll out of national programmes in Northern Ireland;

g Work with other unionists to maximise our power and influence at home and abroad;

g Work to reduce Northern Irelands economic dependence on Westminster;

g Act responsibly and in the interest of the country as a whole when taking decisions which would have an impact nationally;

g Work to ensure disputes around parades and protests are resolved;

g At every level of government in Northern Irelanddefend our British cultural heritage;

g Campaign to highlight the benefits of theUnion to Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland to the Union.

Strengthen the United Kingdomand protect and enhance

our British identity

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WHERE WE ARE

While we should never be complacent about whathas been achieved, the focus must now move tostrengthen the United Kingdom as a whole and toenhance our British identity in Northern Ireland.

Our place as a key and integral part of the UnitedKingdom has been highlighted in recent years bythe decision to host the G8 at Lough Erne, the visitof Her Majesty to Stormont in 2012 and theenormous role our people continue to play in theArmed Services.

Northern Ireland plays its full part alongside Scotlandand Wales in intergovernmental relations within theUnited Kingdom and every aspect of our governmentremains linked to Westminster. Despite the oppositionof Sinn Fein the work of the National Crime Agency isalso being extended to Northern Ireland.

At Westminster our MPs have been at the forefrontof the campaign for a referendum on the EuropeanUnion and in defence of our Armed Forces. Theycontinue to play a key and critical role in thedecisions, which affect our nation as a whole.

We have built strong and solid relationships withboth major Westminster parties to allow us tomaximise our influence whatever the outcome ofthe general election.

In Northern Ireland we are working with otherunionist parties to maximise unionist representationat Westminster and to deliver on the many areas ofpolicy where we can find agreement.

While there is much we can do in Northern Ireland,some of these issues can only be delivered with thehelp of Westminster.

Support for Northern Irelands constitutional position within the UnitedKingdom has never been higher. The number of people who want to seea united Ireland in either the short or the medium term is at an all timelow. The constitutional future of Northern Ireland has been settled forgenerations to come.

This has been achieved by agreeing political structures in Northern Irelandthat can command cross-community support and by ensuring everyonecan play a full part in our society and community.


During the course of the General Election campaign the DUP has publisheda series of policy papers as well as our Northern Ireland Plan. This manifestoshould be read in conjunction with those documents.

There are a range of powers devolved to the Northern Ireland Assembly andour last Assembly manifesto detailed our policy positions and commitmentsin those devolved areas.

Our Westminster Parliamentary team will assist where appropriate in theimplementation of the proposals as set out in our Assembly Manifesto as wellas furthering the aims of party policy as detailed in our other DUP publications.

Our policy documents and publications can be found at www.mydup.com

April 2015

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Documents

DUP 2015 Westminster Manifesto