At this critical time for our country we need to form a government in the national interest and only the Conservatives are in the position to do this.  The UK requires certainty and having secured the greatest number of votes and the greatest number of seats in the General Election, it is clear that only the Conservative and Unionist Party can command a majority in the House of Commons.

With regards to a confidence and supply deal, this will provide the stability and certainty the country requires as we embark on Brexit negotiations.  This is not a formal arrangement like the Coalition Government from 2010-2015 where members from the junior party (the Liberal Democrats) gained positions in the cabinet and other ministerial roles.  Rather, the DUP will support the Government in motions of confidence and appropriation of budget votes.

I appreciate the concerns which people have over the DUP's stance on social issues, and while the Conservatives and the DUP have enjoyed a strong relationship over many years, these are not issues which our two parties always agree on. 

We will continue to promote and champion equal rights. Conservatives in government introduced same sex marriage and earlier this year passed 'Turing's law' to remove historic convictions for consensual acts. Rest assured, the Conservatives will continue to promote and champion equality.