Boris Johnson urges Democratic Unionist Party to continue to support Conservative government

Boris Johnson has urged the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), which props up Theresa May’s government, to continue to support the Conservatives.

Speaking as a guest at the Northern Irish party’s conference today the former British foreign minister warned that terminating their support could result in a Labour government led by Jeremy Corbyn.

“To our allies in the DUP I hope that you agree that it is absolutely vital that we keep this partnership going and that we are not so complacent as to abandon the government of this country to a man whose avowed policy is to break up this country,” Johnson said, according to the Financial Times.

The DUP, which supports the government through a confidence and supply deal has made it clear it will reject May’s Brexit agreement over concerns about the Irish backstop.

The backstop which is designed to prevent a border on the island of Ireland if no trade agreement is reached, but could see Northern Ireland temporarily remain in the EU customs union after Britain exits in March next year – something the DUP vehemently opposes.

Johnson also used his speech to reject the backstop, saying it would see Britain become a “satellite state” of the EU.

His comments come after European Council president Donald Tusk recommended that EU member states approve May’s withdrawal agreement at a summit in Brussels tomorrow.