Transcript of an interview with William Ross, UUP MP for East Londonderry, by John Humphrys for BBC On the Record on 26 February 1995. The Ulster Unionist Party is known to be unhappy with much of the content of the Framework Document – an initiative by the Irish and British Governments aimed at setting the parameters for any potential peace talks on Northern Ireland. However, the UUP's nine MPs at Westminster effectively hold the balance of power in the House of Commons as John Major's Conservative majority looks increasingly unstable. In the wake of Unionist opposition to the Framework Document it is suspected the UUP may force a motion of confidence in the Government by voting against it in an upcoming debate. Humphrys questions Ross on the Framework Document and on his party's position on any potential vote of confidence in the Conservative Government. On the Record was BBC's flagship political programme.
Date of Release/Broadcast: 26 February 1995
Name of First Interviewee: William Ross
Role at time of Interview: UUP MP for East Londonderry
Interviewer: John Humphrys
Purpose: News
Media: Transcript
Copyright: © BBC On the Record
Link: Read the transcript
Programme/Book/Article: BBC On The Record
Time Period covered: 1995
Key Individuals: William Ross, James Molyneaux, Patrick Mayhew, Margaret Thatcher
Key Words: Framework Document, vote of confidence, Sunningdale, United Ireland, civil disobedience, UUP, Conservative Party