Conservatives agree deal with DUP to support minority government

The Conservatives have reached a deal with the Irish Democratic Unionist party (DUP) to support Theresa May’s government.

The deal, which has received criticism, has been reached two weeks after the hung parliament election result, which saw Theresa May’s party lose their slim majority.

The agreement will allow the government to pass bills in parliament, despite falling short of the 326 majority required to govern.

The pact will ensure an additional £1 billion in funding for Northern Ireland over the course of the next two years.

The funding is expected to be utilised to foster the development of infrastructure, health and education in the region.

In return, the DUP is expected to support legislation that is integral to the authority of the Conservative minority government such as the Queen’s speech vote, the budget and the Brexit agenda.

Commenting on the deal, Prime Minister Theresa May said:

“We share many values in terms of wanting to see prosperity across the UK, the value of the union, the important bond between the different parts of the UK,”

She continued:

“We very much want to see that protected and enhanced and we also share the desire to ensure a strong government, able to put through its programme and provide for issues like the Brexit negotiations, but also national security issues.”

In the weeks following the election, the proposed deal has been met with criticism over concerns over the DUP’s hardline views on abortion and same-sex marriage.

Nevertheless, the Conservatives have since highlighted the possibility for productive collaboration.

In an interview for BBC’s Radio 4 Programme, Conservative MP Damien Green emphasised the potential for common ground and forging an agreement.

“Clearly, two political parties, we have some differences. But we have a lot in common.”

“We’re both unionist parties at our heart. We’re both obviously very concerned with combating terrorism, we both have similar views about delivering a good Brexit for this country and obviously, we’re both very, very concerned with the Irish border issue.”

Parliament is set to vote on the Queen’s speech and legislative agenda put forward by the government this week.

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