Tories have done a deal with the DUP. And it only cost 1 billion.

[gluteustothemaximus]

What a bargain.

Hmmm. What shall I do to pass all these shitty laws? I know, I need a majority! Let's have an election so I can get a stronger mandate!

Oh shit, I lost my majority. Don't worry, I can link up with the DUP!

Yay for democracy.

So there IS a magic money tree!

No, the DUP are going to have input into policy BEFORE it comes to the votes. So far it's been positive. However, as someone who used to have nightmares about their former leader Rev Paisley, I don't trust these people who hate me because we differ on consubstantiation and transubstantiation and the relative merits of Mary.

Dawn I learnt plenty of science and evolutionary theory at school...so it may not be as dire as it appears Reassuring. Unfortunately, I bet you also learnt that you had no choice with regard to pregnancies, too.

Oh, and now id cards for EU citizens living in the UK.

I'm not happy that they wont be means testing the winter fuel payments actually - it was means tested for child benefit, why not for this?
Before i get flamed, i'm not a tory supporter, but i think that it should be made a bit fairer. Not everyone agrees i know.
The idea of another civil war in Ireland is also a scary thought.

If us lefties all want the same thing, presumably you righties all want creationism, forced birth, lack of birth control, laissez faire economics and no immigrants cluttering up the place. Since we're talking about stupid stereotypes; yours sounds much worse.

Germany have been doing that for years but yes I agree it's a bit insidious now it's being done in the shadow of Brexit. The EU has always allowed member states to impose restrictions on other EU citizens living in their countries but we haven't ever bothered to.

Still, the sooner we get all these italian sonographers and polish midwives into the ghetto the better we'll all be, eh?

This isn't a coalition btw, it's a supply and confidence deal

Does supply and confidence mean pick and choose what they vote for?

Oh I see, not a coalition! That makes it all fine.

I think we here are well aware of our laws regarding abortion and have been fighting for this (and other things) to change for years Dawn

That 'co-ordination committee' makes it more than a supply and confidence arrangement, in my opinion.
Sure, it's not a full coalition either though.

Dawn We were also taught that there were "options" when it came to pregnancies, so we weren't indoctrinated in that regard either, though I would welcome the day when the exercise of choice was actually facilitated rather than criminalised. I have never and can see no reason why I would ever vote for the DUP because I don't agree with very many of their political views, but I also don't necessarily think a power sharing agreement with the conservatives is a death knell to peace. I think there are enough people motivated on all sides of the line to maintain peace. There will be a handful of radicals regardless of the outcome, but a return to a civil war will be because of a choice made by individuals that has nothing to do with religion or politics, at least not in any real sense.

I don't worry about the peace process because despite everything else I have faith in the people of NI. I believe that no one who actually loves their country regardless of what country that is to them wants a return to violence, and i believe that regardless of what happens in Westminster we are stronger than our past.

This isn't a coalition btw, it's a supply and confidence deal
Making it less strong and stable than a coalition would be...

Amazing how many experts there are about the danger the GFA. There is literally no danger to it at all. As if SF are going to turn down £1b of additional funding. Esp when the Irish govt have welcomed the deal.

Also yes to the DUP being the most skilled negotiators the tories will have encountered so far. Policital life here built on deals for generations.

There is also an argument that NI owed huge amounts of infrastructure spending to make up for massive underspend during forty years or so of direct rule when services deliberately run down in name of security.

It's not just about the money thought is it? It's about the DUP and the Tories being in bed together and at the same time the Tories having to pretend they're a disinterested party overseeing the (suspended) power sharing in NI.

Still cheapee than corbyn bankrupting the nation. Absolute bargain

Still cheapee than corbyn bankrupting the nation. Absolute bargain

Bless your little brain.

LaMonster Well said.

Still cheapee than corbyn bankrupting the nation. Absolute bargain
Go and finish your homework.

Dawn

Oh, and now id cards for EU citizens living in the UK.

..all EU citizens have ID cards, you need them to travel into UK for a start as they are equivalent to passports and in case of my husband and kids, they are a darn site cheaper than UK passports.

Corbyn is not in power though is he, the bleddy Tories and DUP are so God knows what they'll push through

interesting article on the deal from The Guardian

all EU citizens have ID cards, you need them to travel into UK for a start

Not all. Irish people don't have them.

Mitzy, surely they would then have a passport to travel into the UK?

( but obviously not across the border to NI).

Mitzy It will go the distance.

Time will tell...

Things aren't looking too strong and stable at the moment. Far from it.