COMMENT

The Conservatives will unveil their programme for government today – without knowing whether they have the necessary support to push it through parliament, after the Democratic Unionist Party warned talks to secure a majority had stalled.

The Queen will read out a slimmed-down list of legislation at the State Opening of Parliament despite talks over a “confidence and supply” deal with the Northern Irish Unionists failing to reach a conclusion.

Meanwhile, Labour and the SNP signalled that they were ready to bring down the government when the Queen’s Speech is voted on next week.

The Conservatives need the votes of the DUP’S ten MPS to ensure they can pass their legislative programme, while also preventing any rebellion on their own benches.

If there is no formal deal with the DUP by the time MPS give their verdict on the government’s plans, it will signal the start of the first minority government in the UK since the 1974 election.

However, the DUP are expected to back the Prime Minister in order to avoid Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party gaining power.

A chastened Theresa May will promise to govern with “humility” and listen to the British people when she addresses parliament today following the Queen’s Speech.

“We will work hard everyday to gain the trust and confidence of the British people, making their priorities our priorities”

THERESA MAY