“We will continue to work with our friends and allies in the Democratic Unionist Party in particular,” she said.

London: Prime Minister Theresa May said on Friday she would form a new British government with backing from Northern Irish unionists after losing her Conservative majority in a snap general election.

“I have just been to see Her Majesty the Queen and I will now form a government — a government that can provide certainty and lead Britain forward at this critical time for our country,” she said after returning from Buckingham Palace to her Downing Street office in London.

On the doorstep of her official Downing Street residence, Ms. May said she could rely in parliament on the support of her "friends” in Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party.

“We will continue to work with our friends and allies in the Democratic Unionist Party in particular,” she said.

“Our two parties have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years and this gives me the confidence to believe that we will be able to work together in the interests of the whole United Kingdom.”

New government will lead Britain out of EU

Ms. May said she planned to stick to the timetable for starting Brexit negotiations in 10 days, with a new government that would lead Britain out of the EU.

“We will fulfil the promise of Brexit,” Ms. May said, speaking outside her official residence in Downing Street after meeting Queen Elizabeth II.