Backbench Tory Eurosceptics who rejected Theresa May’s Brexit deal could vote for new concessions for Northern Ireland being negotiated by Boris Johnson.
Nigel Evans, a key member of the Eurosceptic European Research Group (ERG), said hardline Conservative Brexiteers are prepared to vote for a fresh deal if the DUP was in favour.
“I think it is very difficult to get it through without the DUP, but we have seen a shift from the DUP already,” Evans told the BBC in an interview on Friday.
“And if the DUP are in favour of it, it’d be very difficult for the ERG to go against.”
Hopes are high that the prime minister has achieved a breakthrough with the EU after meeting Irish premier Leo Varadkar in the Wirral on Thursday.
Number 10 remains tight-lipped about what the two leaders discussed but a joint statement released after the meeting said they “see a pathway to a possible deal”.
It is unclear whether that means the Northern Ireland-only customs backstop plan was revived or if the two leaders discussed the Northern Ireland assembly, Stormont, being given a regular vote on customs arrangements.
DUP leader Arlene Foster is thought to have been briefed ahead of the Wirral meeting but has yet to issue a comment post-meeting. Her party has always been vehemently opposed to any plan which separates Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK on customs.
Evans added that the ERG had not been briefed on the exchanges between Johnson and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar.
“We’re going to look at the detail – none of us know,” he said.
“I believe it is three-dimensional poker, and we’re playing very high-risk stakes here.
“But at the end of the day, I think there’s a realisation by the European Union that Boris Johnson, completely different to Theresa May, is prepared to leave the European Union on October 31, unlike the March 29 deadline which was movable.”
The Varadkar and Johnson meeting focussed on “the challenges of customs and consent”, the joint statement said.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed on Friday that ministers had been briefed on the contents of the discussions.
“I had a very nice briefing this morning which was very much appreciated,” he told the BBC.
Asked what the reason was for optimism following the meeting, he added: “It does not benefit anyone to have a running commentary on live negotiations.”
Technical talks between the UK and EU diplomats continues and Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay is in Brussels Friday morning for a showdown with EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier.
Downing Street has yet to announce plans for a press conference.