The DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has maintained a hardline “no deal is better than a bad deal” stance at Westminster, but sources suggest the party position may be softening

The DUP are “looking for a ladder to climb down” that will allow the Tories’ allies to back a revised deal with the European Union, Brexiteers have been told.

Senior figures in the party have discussed its position with allies in the European Research Group of Tory MPs and indicated that they are inclined to compromise, two sources told The Times.

While their ultimate decision will depend on the concessions secured by the attorney general Geoffrey Cox in Brussels negotiations, they said the private stance had moderated.

“They are looking for a ladder to climb down,” said one source. “And if that happens they will take a lot of Tory Brexiteers with them.”

Another said: “There does seem to be a softening. I