Why the DUP won't change their minds on Theresa May's Brexit deal

Why the DUP won't change their minds on Theresa May's Brexit deal

Theresa May signed a confidence and supply deal with Arlene Foster's DUP in 2017

The Democratic Unionist Party has reiterated its opposition to Theresa May's Brexit deal, saying it "poses an unacceptable threat to the integrity of the United Kingdom".

The declaration from the Northern Irish party - who Theresa May relies on for support in key Commons votes under a confidence and supply agreement signed after the 2017 election - is a hammer blow to the prime minister.

DUP leader Arlene Foster's intervention came a matter of hours after Mrs May told her backbenchers she will resign if her deal is passed.

PM's deal will 'damage the union'

Mrs May has been hoping to win round the DUP - and in turn reverse the opposition of dozens of Brexiteer Tory MPs - in order to get her withdrawal agreement through parliament at the third time of asking.

Sky News explains why the DUP are opposed to the PM's deal - and why they are unlikely to budge.


:: Why won't the DUP compromise?

The clue is in the title: Democratic "Unionist" Party.

If they truly believe the WA/backstop threatens the integrity of the UK (and particularly Northern Ireland's place within it), they cannot compromise.

It's like asking the SNP to accept there will never be Scottish independence.

:: Could they change their minds?

Not unless the EU changes its mind and re-opens the WA.

The EU says that isn't happening. Theresa May says that isn't happening.

The PM has spent weeks trying to allay their fears by promising domestic legislation but none of it carries the same permanent weight as the WA.

:: Are they holding out for money?

No amount of money would solve this problem.

A financial agreement to prop-up a minority government you agree with (on most things) is one issue.

Accepting money to compromise on your party's reason for existence would be unforgivable as far as their electorate is concerned.

:: Will they abstain in any vote?

No.

Arlene Foster's deputy, Nigel Dodds MP, who leads the party's parliamentary team in Westminster, has tweeted: "The DUP do not abstain on the Union."

They are no fans of the prime minister but for them, the Union takes priority over Theresa May's future.

:: Is there a split over this issue?

Sky News has spoken to a range of people in the party and found no evidence of a split, despite rumours to the contrary.

Like most political parties, the DUP has a more ideological wing and a more pragmatic wing but rumours of division over Brexit appear unfounded.