UUP and Tories hold talks
Ulster Unionists can play a powerful role at the heart of the UK government if they forge a new alliance with the Tories, leader Sir Reg Empey has said.
The UUP chief and Tory leader David Cameron have formed a working group to report by the autumn on plans for a merger or an electoral pact.
Sir Reg rejected DUP claims the talks were an act of desperation by the UUP.