evidence: The Democratic Unionist party has said it will act as a "brace against hard austerity" in its deal with the Conservatives, as rebel Tory MPs suggested that they could torpedo unpopular policies by tacitly backing Labour amendments to the Queen’s speech. The DUP’s leader, Arlene Foster, said it was "right and proper" that her party would vote for Theresa May’s Queen’s speech next week. However, DUP sources told the Guardian on Friday that the party wanted a "more compassionate approach to austerity" in any deal. [...] It is understood that DUP officials have sought meetings with opposition parties, including the Liberal Democrats, to take the temperature of amendments planned for the Queen’s speech. If the DUP’s 10 MPs are willing to support opposition amendments, that would increase pressure on Downing Street.