UVF

“I have many friends who are here, they’re my friends today because of UVF. And I have many of my friends who have had children and experienced the joy of motherhood and parenthood because of UVF,” Lake said.

“Kari Lake cares so little about women’s reproductive health that it’s *IVF* at risk by her party, not *UVF.*,” commented Alexandra De Luca, vice president of strategic communications at the Democratic super PAC American Bridge 21st Century.

In November, the UVF stood down senior members of its notorious east Belfast faction, including replacing its leader Stephen Matthews.

As part of the investigation, Spotlight interviewed a senior UVF member.

In a statement issued through a spokesperson, Mr Matthews said he had never been the leader of the east Belfast UVF, and therefore could not have been removed from the role.