Former PM John Major urges Theresa May to withdraw from DUP deal

Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has expressed his concern about a planned deal between the Conservatives and the Democratic Unionist Party.

Following the result of last week's General Election, DUP leader Arlene Foster is holding talks with Theresa May over supporting a minority Tory government. Speaking about the deal, which is reportedly set to be finalised within the next 24 hours, Major told BBC Radio 4's World at One that he was "dubious" about it and its impact on the peace process. He explained that May making a deal with one of the main parties in Northern Ireland might lead to the government no longer being viewed by some as an "impartial honest broker" in upholding Northern Ireland institutions and in restoring power-sharing arrangements. During his time as PM, Major's government laid the foundations for the peace process in the 1990s, and he also warned that peace in Northern Ireland should not be taken for granted. As well as this, Major suggested the DUP would be requesting money and this would be viewed by some as the government "paying cash for votes in parliament." Urging May to consider governing on her own, he added that this would not "carry the baggage" for the Tories that coming to an agreement with DUP would.