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DUP threatens to pull support from Theresa May's government if she backs down over post-Brexit Irish border DUP threatens to pull support from Theresa May's government if she backs down over post-Brexit Irish border
(35 minutes later)
The Democratic Unionist Party has dramatically threatened to rethink its deal to prop up Theresa May in power if she compromises over the Irish border after Brexit.The Democratic Unionist Party has dramatically threatened to rethink its deal to prop up Theresa May in power if she compromises over the Irish border after Brexit.
Sammy Wilson, one of the DUP’s 10 MPs, said the party would not accept any moves that would see Northern Ireland “treated differently than the rest of the UK”.Sammy Wilson, one of the DUP’s 10 MPs, said the party would not accept any moves that would see Northern Ireland “treated differently than the rest of the UK”.
The warning follows reports that further powers could be devolved to Belfast allowing rules in areas such as agriculture and energy to be aligned with the EU – rather than London.The warning follows reports that further powers could be devolved to Belfast allowing rules in areas such as agriculture and energy to be aligned with the EU – rather than London.
“If there is any hint that, in order to placate Dublin and the EU, they're prepared to have Northern Ireland treated differently than the rest of the UK, then they can't rely on our vote,” Mr Wilson said. The move is an attempt to meet the Irish Government's demand for a cast-iron guarantee there will be no return to a hard border with Northern Ireland, which it fears would be made inevitable by new trade barriers
“If there is any hint that, in order to placate Dublin and the EU, they're prepared to have Northern Ireland treated differently than the rest of the United Kingdom, then they can't rely on our vote,” Mr Wilson said.
“They have to recognise that, if this is about treating Northern Ireland differently, or leaving us half in the EU, dragging along behind regulations which change in Dublin, it's not on.”“They have to recognise that, if this is about treating Northern Ireland differently, or leaving us half in the EU, dragging along behind regulations which change in Dublin, it's not on.”
It was reported that DUP MPS had met with senior Government ministers to warn that any move to allow Northern Ireland to retain EU regulations would be “deeply destabilising” to the parties’ agreement. He added: “If their support for the Union diminishes, then our support will not be there.”
It is understood that DUP MPs had met with senior Government ministers to warn that any move to allow Northern Ireland to retain EU regulations would be “deeply destabilising” to the parties’ agreement.
The threat appeared to present Theresa May with the dilemma of how to do enough to prevent the Irish government blocking progress in the Brexit talks – but without losing DUP support.The threat appeared to present Theresa May with the dilemma of how to do enough to prevent the Irish government blocking progress in the Brexit talks – but without losing DUP support.
The stakes could not be higher, because an Irish veto would prevent the UK moving the talks onto future trade and a two-year transitional deal at an EU summit next monthThe stakes could not be higher, because an Irish veto would prevent the UK moving the talks onto future trade and a two-year transitional deal at an EU summit next month
Under the controversial £1bn “cash for votes” deal, the DUP has agreed to back the Conservatives on financial matters and to deliver Brexit.Under the controversial £1bn “cash for votes” deal, the DUP has agreed to back the Conservatives on financial matters and to deliver Brexit.
But the “confidence and supply” agreement does not cover the precise terms of the EU divorce deal – and the DUP has repeatedly insisted there can be no separate deal for Northern Ireland.But the “confidence and supply” agreement does not cover the precise terms of the EU divorce deal – and the DUP has repeatedly insisted there can be no separate deal for Northern Ireland.
Dublin – with Brussels’ backing - has said the only way to avoid a hard land border with is for Northern Ireland to remain in the EU single market and customs union.Dublin – with Brussels’ backing - has said the only way to avoid a hard land border with is for Northern Ireland to remain in the EU single market and customs union.
Failing that, the Irish Government is demanding that the UK makes a written commitment to convergence on regulations, to avoid border checks.Failing that, the Irish Government is demanding that the UK makes a written commitment to convergence on regulations, to avoid border checks.
Downing Street attempted to play down the row, saying: “We have been absolutely clear, on many occasions, about the need to protect the economic integrity of the whole of the United Kingdom.”Downing Street attempted to play down the row, saying: “We have been absolutely clear, on many occasions, about the need to protect the economic integrity of the whole of the United Kingdom.”
The DUP will be extremely reluctant to jeopardise the deal, because – aside from the £1bn – it is desperate to prevent Jeremy Corbyn reaching No 10.The DUP will be extremely reluctant to jeopardise the deal, because – aside from the £1bn – it is desperate to prevent Jeremy Corbyn reaching No 10.
Nevertheless, the party has been spooked by the reports that British officials have suggested regulatory convergence between the North and the Republic as a way forward.Nevertheless, the party has been spooked by the reports that British officials have suggested regulatory convergence between the North and the Republic as a way forward.
Earlier this week, the Conservative MEP Charles Tannock suggested in the European Parliament that the province could be given a second referendum on whether it should stay in the customs union or not.Earlier this week, the Conservative MEP Charles Tannock suggested in the European Parliament that the province could be given a second referendum on whether it should stay in the customs union or not.
UK and EU officials are expected to try to hammer out an agreement on the Irish border over the weekend, as the Prime Minister prepares for a crucial meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission President, on Monday.UK and EU officials are expected to try to hammer out an agreement on the Irish border over the weekend, as the Prime Minister prepares for a crucial meeting with Jean-Claude Juncker, the European Commission President, on Monday.
Before that, European Council President Donald Tusk is expected to meet Irish leader Leo Varadkar in Dublin.”Before that, European Council President Donald Tusk is expected to meet Irish leader Leo Varadkar in Dublin.”