Image caption Ulster Unionists have come out in favour of remaining within the European Union

The Ulster Unionist party has come out in favour of staying within the European Union.

The decision was taken at a special meeting of its executive committee in Templepatrick, County Antrim.

The party said that it believes, on balance, that this is better for Northern Ireland.

It wants the government to press for further reform and a return to the founding principle of free trade, as opposed to greater political union.

The party said its individual members could vote as they see fit.

The prime minister has said the UK will vote on whether to remain in the EU on Thursday 23 June.

The DUP has come out in favour of leaving the EU.

Sinn Féin, the SDLP and the Alliance Party have come out in favour of staying within the EU,