Deal signed between Britain’s Tories, Northern Ireland’s DUP

June 26 (UPI) — The coalition of Britain’s Conservative Party and Democratic Unionist Party will include $1.9 billion in spending for Northern Ireland, party leaders said Monday.

The agreement between the two parties was signed Monday at Prime Minister Theresa May’s office.

The deal, which includes a raise in pension payments, comes after the Conservative Party reached out to Northern Ireland’s DUP to form a “confidence and supply” arrangement — a guarantee, short of a coalition, in which the minority DUP agrees to support the Tories on votes of confidence and budget in Parliament. Elections held earlier this month gave the Tories a plurality, but less than a majority, in Parliament.

The agreement, signed Monday by DUP leader Arlene Foster and Tory leader and Prime Minister Theresa May, assures DUP support of the government’s agenda.

“Today we have reached an agreement with the Conservative Party on support for the government in Parliament. This agreement will operate to deliver a stable government in the United Kingdom’s national interest at this vital time,” a statement by Foster said.

Although details of the deal were not announced, the added funding for Northern Ireland will be directed to new infrastructure, as well as to the health and education sectors, Foster said after meeting with May and signing the agreement.

A statement by May, issued by the Conservative Party, said, “I welcome this agreement which will enable us to work together in the interest of the whole United Kingdom, give us the certainty we require as we embark on our departure from the European Union, and help us build a stronger and fairer society at home.”

The agreement comes days before lawmakers will vote on May’s “Queen’s Speech” in which she set out her plans for government legislation.