The Democratic Unionist Party is demanding that the Conservatives water down their controversial social care plans as a price of its support for Theresa May, the Telegraph understands.

On Saturday night Downing Street announced that the DUP had agreed to the principles of an outline agreement to support the Tories on a “confidence and supply basis”.

DUP MPs had drawn up a “wish list” at a meeting on Friday, with one of the main themes believed to be protecting pensioners.

The party is also pushing for the Government to block prosecutions of soldiers and police officers involved in the Troubles, as well as seeking an increase in police funding, a source said.

Formal talks between the DUP and Conservatives began on Saturday as Gavin Williamson, the Tory chief whip, flew to Belfast to meet Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, his DUP counterpart.