UK deal struck for DUP to back May’s agenda
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UK Prime Minister Theresa May struck a deal with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party yesterday to support her minority government and ensure passage of her legislative agenda later this week.
As part of the deal, the government will provide funds to boost Northern Ireland’s economy, while investing in infrastructure, health and education. The package includes 1 billion pounds (US$1.27 billion) of new funding and 500 million pounds of previously announced funds.
Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster said the agreement would “address the unique circumstances” of Northern Ireland. May said the two parties “share many values.”
“We also share the desire to ensure a strong government, able to put through its program and provide for issues like the Brexit negotiations, but also national security issues,” May said. “So the agreement we have come to is a very, very good one.”
May needs the deal to ensure the survival of her government after a disastrous election that left her Conservative Party without a majority in the House of Commons. But the money for Northern Ireland is certain to raise questions amid budget shortages.
Lawmakers are seeking additional funding for the police and security services after recent extremist attacks, as well as more and better public housing following a high-rise apartment fire that killed at least 79 people.
Foster’s party had demanded tangible benefits in terms of jobs and investment for Northern Ireland before she would agree to support May’s government. The DUP has 10 seats in Parliament, enough to guarantee passage of the government’s agenda.
The June 8 election gave May’s Conservatives the most seats, but not enough to automatically carry legislation, notably the thorny choices to come concerning Britain’s departure from the European Union.
The leaders of Scotland and Wales were quick to respond following the announcement about the partnership, wondering why one part of the UK should get special treatment at the expense of the rest.
Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted that any sense of fairness was “sacrificed on the altar of grubby DUP deal.” Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones tweeted that the deal “flies in the face of the commitment to build a more united country.”
Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn said the agreement might suit May’s wish to stay in power, but would do little for the country.
“Where is the money for the Tory-DUP deal coming from?” the Labour leader asked. “And, will all parts of the UK receive the much-needed additional funding that Northern Ireland will get as part of the deal?”
The Conservatives said the agreement “recognizes that Northern Ireland has unique circumstances within the UK, not least as a consequence of responding to challenges of the past.”
But critics, including some Conservatives, have objected to any kind of alliance with the DUP because of some of the party’s views, including its opposition to same-sex marriage and to abortion.
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