DUP deal ‘could be positive’ for hospitality trade

08-Jun-2017 - Last updated on 09-Jun-2017 at 15:42 GMT

Potential opportunities: Conservative Party discusses DUP coalition

Theresa May has said she will form a government with the support of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) hours after losing 12 seats in the general election, which left her eight short of a majority and the country with a hung parliament.

May made the announcement after visiting Buckingham Palace earlier today (9 June), with DUP leader Arlene Foster. Foster said her party would “explore ways it can work with the Conservative government”.

‘Soft’ Brexit

The involvement of the DUP may usher in a ‘soft’ Brexit, as the Northern Irish party has previously called for a “comprehensive free trade and customs agreement with the European Union”.

Commenting on the potential alliance, Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) chief executive Kate Nicholls said the move “could be positive for hospitality” in principle.

“The DUP campaigned for a soft Brexit and now has obvious influence to wield in seeking to realise that objective,” she said.

“The absence of a Conservative majority, means that the influence of those within the governing party pushing for elements of a harder Brexit is diminished.”

‘Opportunities’ for the industry

Nicholls said the move could be positive as the ALMR looks for a government that makes EU labour market and food and drink supply chains “easier to access”.

A British Beer & Pub Association spokesman said: “The political possibilities may well now facilitate a ‘softer’ Brexit than had been envisaged, and this may well open up opportunities for the industry.”

Other policies that could affect pubs in the DUP’s manifesto include its pledge to maintain the small business rates relief, and support for continued increases in the national living wage.