Labour calls for DUP cash deal transparency

MICHAEL SETTLE

“There has been speculation in the media about possible additional infrastructure and NHS spending for Northern Ireland or reductions in Northern Ireland rates of corporation tax, VAT and/or Air Passenger Duty.

“It is essential that the details of any agreement are made public,” insisted Mr McDonnell.

He goes on: “Specifically, will any additional spending or tax cuts offered to Northern Ireland be offset through reductions in the Northern Ireland block grant, and if not, how will additional spending be paid for?

“Can you clarify whether any additional spending will be funded from general UKwide taxation or by increased borrowing or by some other means?”

The DUP has made it clear it will only cut a deal with the Conservatives if it delivered tangible benefits for Northern Ireland in terms of jobs and investment in health and education. Asked what the chances were of an agreement being reached before Thursday’s key Commons vote on the Queen’s Speech, Sir Jeffrey said: “Very good.”

One positive by-product of a potential deal is that the Government appears to have agreed to improve the treatment of military veterans in Northern Ireland.