News

DUP calls for more clarity from PM over EU concessions

DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has called for clarity. Picture by Pacemaker Press
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has called for clarity. Picture by Pacemaker Press DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has called for clarity. Picture by Pacemaker Press

THE DUP is not expected to support a confidence vote on Theresa May's future.

East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson was among those who were reported as confirming they would back the prime minister.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled the motion of no confidence in Theresa May, after she said MPs would not vote on her Brexit deal until next year.

Earlier, DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds called for clarity about what concessions the prime minister was seeking from the EU.

The party's 10 MPs are adamantly opposed to the inclusion of any backstop in the withdrawal treaty because they believe it could separate the north from the rest of the UK.

Mr Dodds made the call following a statement from the Prime Minister to Parliament.

"Following the summit last week the European Council have talked about clarifications and reassurances but ruled out renegotiating, contradicting or reopening the legal text. They also even struck out text which stated the backstop didn't represent a desirable outcome for the EU27," he said.

Meanwhile, Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry has described Mrs May's dismissal of a second referendum as "arrogant and foolish".

He said another referendum was the "only coherent alternative".

"The Prime Minister needs to be clear that if a negotiated Brexit is to occur then this withdrawal agreement, including the backstop, is the only option," he said.

"Right across the House of Commons, MPs need to stop chasing delusions. Democracy is a fluid concept. There is strong and consistent evidence that a majority of voters do not want Brexit."