Statement by TUV Comber councillor Stephen Cooper:
“Earlier today I said that any attempt to politicise the use of Army medics to assist in the Covid emergency would be treated with contempt. The reaction tonight on social media to the shameful statement issued by Unison proves that my prediction was correct.
“Here we have a union which presents itself as the official voice of many workers in the health service questioning assistance to our hospitals. Unison representatives are frequently on the media highlighting the pressures within the NHS. Tonight because that pressure is being relieved by our armed forces they are questioning the need for assistance.
“The furious reaction from members and the general public on social media is both justified and predictable. Unison need to step back, recognise they have made a mistake and apologise”.