PRESS RELEASE : DUP Leader congratulates Peter Weir & Arlene Foster on Life Peerage [October 2022]
The press release issued by the DUP on 14 October 2022.
The Democratic Unionist Party welcomes the news that Peter Weir is to become a Life Peer sitting in the House of Lords. The conferment of this peerage is rightful recognition of the significant contribution and public service given by Peter over a twenty-four year period as an MLA in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
DUP Leader Rt Hon Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP said,
“On behalf of our party and indeed many throughout Northern Ireland I welcome this recognition for Peter. Peter Weir has given a lifetime of service to his constituents and to the Pro-Union cause in Northern Ireland. He will be a very welcome addition to our Parliamentary team in the House of Lords as well as a strong advocate for Northern Ireland and the Pro-Union cause throughout the United Kingdom.
I am also delighted that our friend and former First Minister Rt Hon Dame Arlene Foster has been conferred a peerage and will sit in the Lords. Arlene will be a strong voice for Northern Ireland and this is rightful and worthy recognition for her contribution and service to Northern Ireland. We look forward to working closely with her in the time ahead.”
Mr Peter Weir said,
“I am very honoured and humbled to be appointed to the House of Lords as a nominee of the DUP. At Westminster, I will be operating as a full time working Peer, advocating on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, and promoting the great cause of the Union.
Northern Ireland needs stability and prosperity, and alongside my colleagues at Westminster, the Assembly and local Councils, I will focus on delivering those twin objectives, particularly through the necessary removal of the Protocol, which acts as a barrier to good governance and the economic well-being of our people.”
I am very grateful to my many friends and colleagues who have supported and worked with me over many years and with the opening of this new chapter I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve the people of Northern Ireland in Parliament.”
