So, the election results were released a week ago but they were inconclusive with no party having a majority and we're still no closer to forming a new Government through a deal. The closest options we have as a country are:
- Theresa May's Conservative Party forming a deal with the 10 member Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in order to form a majority.
- Theresa May's Conservative Party attempting to lead Parliament without a majority.
- Jeremy Corbyn's Labour creating a coalition with multiple parties.
- A vote of no confidence on either side, a legal challenge from Labour stopping a Conservative-DUP alliance with either resulting in another election at some point in the near future.
The most likely option is the first one - Conservative-DUP alliance. But, who are the DUP? A centre-right, eurosceptic, socially conservative party with policies to match. Anti-abortion, opposing same-sex marriage, anti-climate change and against Irish nationalists. Led by Arlene Foster, formerly the minister of the environment, enterprise and investment and finance and personnel, and previously embroiled in an alleged half billion £ corruption scandal - the party's manifesto for 2017 highlighted the following election pledges:
Brexit
Pro-leave, committed to unionism, avoid hard border with the Republic of Ireland.
Economy
Triple lock pensions, increase living wage, commit to further increasing tax allowances, protect Northern Irish welfare, invest in infrastructure to promote tourism, negotiate devolution of powers.
Security
Review defence with a view to increasing investment.
On tax issues the DUP manifesto was surprisingly short on content - only mentioning the increase to personal allowances and reducing the Northern Irish corporation tax rate to 12.5 percent (the power is devolved to set Northern Irish rates independently). However, the Conservatives pushing for a 17 percent corporation tax rate by the end of the decade could throw a spanner in the works for the DUP and lead to friction between the parties. The lower rate in Ireland promotes business and investment but if the UK rate is not much different that could impact the DUP's plans.
Nothing solid here then until the Queen's speech next Wednesday (21st June). There should by then be firmer news on what is next.