Humbled May sets out her plans
● Unionists warn deal is ‘not imminent’ as talks stumble ● Labour and SNP say they are ready to bring May down
She will promise to work to regain the trust of voters after failing in her gamble to secure a majority in the snap general election she called.
“The election result was not the one I hoped for, but this government will respond with humility and resolve to the message the electorate sent,” she is expected to say.
“We will work hard everyday to gain the trust and confidence of the British people, making their priorities our priorities.”
It was confirmed yesterday that plans to introduce meanstesting for free school meals in England and Wales will be abandoned,withotherunpopular proposals in the Conservative election manifesto set to be ditched.
But amid growing calls from within her party and across the political spectrum for a rethink on the Conservative’s Brexit strategy, Mrs May will insist she has a mandate to take the UK out of the European single market and customs union. She will commit to working with the Scottish Government and other devolved administrations to secure a “smooth and orderly withdrawal” from the EU.
“We need to get Brexit right. That means getting a deal which delivers the result of last year’s referendum and does so in a way that commands maximum public support.
“Much has been said in recent days about what the general election signified about Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
“The fact is that over 80 per cent of the electorate backed the two major parties, both of whom campaigned on manifestos that said we should honour the democratic decision of the British people.
“While this will be a government that consults and listens, we are clear that we are going to see Brexit through, working with Parliament, business, the devolved administrations and others to ensure a smooth and orderly withdrawal.”
DUP sources were quoted as saying a deal was “certainly not imminent” and that talks with Mrs May’s Conservatives “haven’t proceeded in a way that the DUP would have expected”.
Party sources warned that the DUP “can’t be taken for granted” and urged ministers to put “greater focus” on the talks to secure a majority.
One is reported to have complained that the group had “been surprised at the [low] level of negotiating experience” in Downing Street.
A Conservative source said: “Talks are ongoing with the DUP and we continue to work towards a confidence and supply arrangement.”
The source added: “While our discussions continue it is important the government gets on with its business.
“That is why we are putting forward a Queen’s Speech which the whole House of Commons can get behind: securing a Brexit deal that works for every part of our country, strengthening our economy, making our society fairer, and keeping our country safe.”
An increasingly isolated Mrs May was given a vote of confidence by the transport secretary Chris Grayling, who said it was not the time to change prime minister.
Mr Grayling told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I don’t think a change of prime minister should be on our agenda.
“What we’ve got to do is to go
DUP leader Arlene Foster visited Theresa May at Downing Street just days after the general election –