Thread by @pmdfoster

So as Brexiteers try to head of attempts to shutdown "prorogation" as a route to a 'no deal'...a question looms. What about the DUP @duponline ...they are oddly silent on this question. But they will be critical to it 1/Thread

@duponline Because imagine if @BorisJohnson wins, gets his way and prorogues Parliament ahead of a November 1 Queen's speech...he's still going to need the DUP to back him.

Will they? Really? /2

@duponline @BorisJohnson Recall that last week the NI Civil Service put out a pretty terrifying paper about the specific costs to Northern Ireland from a 'no deal'...is this something that @duponline are prepared to actively make happen? Coz it's very close to home. /3

belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/brexit/40…

@duponline @BorisJohnson It is one thing to "keep no deal on the table" as leverage - FOR A DEAL...

Quite another to actively put your shoulder to the wheel, and become the last man - or ten men - needed to heave it off the 'no deal' cliff....and quite a cliff it is in Northern Ireland. /4

@duponline @BorisJohnson I only ask, since the DUP have remarkably quiet of late....

I am told by both cabinet minister, EU officials and UK officials that the DUP "really don't wan't a no deal'"....

So if that's the case, will they, or will they not back Boris if he goes the full kamikaze? /5

@duponline @BorisJohnson It has been notable, for example, how the DUP did not trash that NI civil service paper as "project fear" as so many on the GB side of the Irish Sea have lazily done...does that hint at some quiet circumspection, I wonder? /6

https://twitter.com/MichaelAodhan/status/1148912061780561920

@duponline @BorisJohnson I also note that despite the Alternative Arrangements Commission clearly signalling that a de-dramatised border in the Irish Sea is a fallback position that must, logically be in the cards, there has been no denunciation or warnings....(and I gave them plenty of chances!) /7

@duponline @BorisJohnson Of course, the DUP always say it is a mistake to think they wouldn't back a 'no deal' - that defending the Union trumps economic concerns, and you shouldn't read too much into, say the Ulster Farmers, backing the backstop...BUT.../8

@duponline @BorisJohnson There is a political world of different between accepting a 'no deal' - particularly if you can blame it on the Irish government or EU intransigence - and ACTIVELY casting your votes for the same, by backing a Boris prorogue plan.

Just pondering..../9 ENDS