DUP and Tories agree 'outline' of confidence-and-supply deal for minority government
2 min read
The DUP has agreed the “outline” of a confidence-and-supply deal that will keep the Conservatives in power.
No 10 said the terms of the arrangement would be discussed at a Cabinet meeting on Monday.
Tory chief whip Gavin Williamson had travelled to Belfast to try to secure an arrangement to win the support of the Northern Irish party’s ten MPs.
A Downing Street spokesperson said this evening: “We can confirm that the Democratic Unionist Party have agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support the Conservative Government on a confidence and supply basis when Parliament returns next week.
“We welcome this commitment, which can provide the stability and certainty the whole country requires as we embark on Brexit and beyond.
“The details will be put forward for discussion and agreement at a Cabinet meeting on Monday.”
Theresa May announced her intention to seek the support of the DUP after losing her parliamentary majority in Thursday’s general election.
In a statement outside No 10 on Friday afternoon, she described the DUP as “friends and allies” of the Conservatives.
“Our two parties have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years and this gives me the confidence to believe that we will be able to work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom,” the Prime Minister said.
The Tories ended up eight seats short of an overall majority after a disappointing performance on Thursday.
There has been some unease within Conservative ranks about the DUP’s stance on a series of social issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson sought – and, she said, received – a “categoric assurance” from Mrs May that she would press the DUP on their equalities record as part of an arrangement.
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