DUP-Tory deal: Release of £1billion for Northern Ireland must be approved by Commons vote, admits Government

‘Parliament must approve the release of the £1bn pledged in the “cash-for-votes” deal for the Democratic Unionist Party to prop up Theresa May in power – but “no timetable has been set”.
The Government has conceded it needs the approval before handing over the money controversially promised to Northern Ireland to secure the backing of the 10 DUP MPs on key votes.
However, it said no date has been agreed for securing that go-ahead, which means the cash has not yet been released.
The twist emerged after Gina Miller, the campaigner who forced the Government to secure Parliament’s approval to start Brexit, challenged the legal basis for handing over the £1bn.
In a letter, the Treasury solicitor said it “will have appropriate parliamentary authorisation”, but added: “No timetable has been set for the making of such payments.”’
Read more: DUP-Tory deal: Release of £1billion for Northern Ireland must be approved by Commons vote, admits Government