Research from Labour, in consultation with the respected House of Commons Library, suggests that if the Tories’ sweetheart deal with the DUP goes ahead and rises as is rumoured to £2 billion, then it could mean that £68 billion in government funding being denied to the rest of the UK.

Under the Barnett Formula an increase of £2 billion in funding for Northern Ireland would normally imply additional public expenditure in England of £59 billion, with Scotland getting an additional £6 billion and Wales £3 billion. 

However, following such a drastic change in extra budgetary spending for Northern Ireland, the Conservatives have decided to not adopt an approach even similar to the Barnett Formula to increase funding across the board. Nor have they explained if this increase will be funded by borrowing, tax rises or spending cuts at the UK level.

John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor, said:

“The coalition of chaos that was set up yesterday risks increasing division in our society by easing austerity in one part of the UK alone.

“We need to see an end to austerity throughout the UK not just in Northern Ireland, and not just to prop up Theresa May and her failed government.

“Labour’s fully costed alternative programme of government stands ready to provide Britain with the leadership that will truly end austerity, and unite all nations and regions in our country.”