Written By Becky Kells, Editor, AllAboutLaw

DUP Deal - “cash-for votes exchange” requires approval of parliament

Written By Becky Kells, Editor, AllAboutLaw

The deal made between the government and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) must be approved by Parliament before it goes ahead, it has been revealed. The legality of the deal, which pledges £1bn to Northern Ireland in exchange for the backing of 10 DUP MPs on key votes, has been called into question by Gina Miller.

In collaboration with the Independent Workers Union of Great Britain, Miller contacted the government via legal letter. The government has responded to confirm that the deal will be subject to a parliamentary vote. IWGB representatives expressed concern that the £1bn was being pledged in this way, highlighting that their members’ jobs ‘depend’ on public money such as that which is involved in the deal.

The DUP deal is being investigated in a separate legal case, which purports that the Deal breaches the neutrality agreed in the Good Friday Agreement, and also that it breaches the bribery act. This case is due to be heard in October, at the start of the new legal term.

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