Thread by @Helenreflects

Thread on the backstop and why it may be more feasible than thought before.
With Chequers dead, it's clear now UK must choose between
-No deal (economic suicide)
-Remain in EU (tories would sooner drop dead)
-Backstop (special arrangement for N Ireland)
-Stay in SM/CU 1/

I'd love to have Remain or Stay in SM and CU. But let's look a bit more closely at the backstop option. A timely reminder that the Cabinet has AGREED to the backstop. It is necessary for the Good Friday Agreement 2/
bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politi…

The backstop is not, as the DUP wants us to believe, a first step towards Northern Irish unification. Rather it's a N Ireland specific solution to keep N Ireland in SM and CU until a better solution is found. See here for explainer video: 3/

Now with Chequers dead and the UK already agreed on the backstop, will they renege? (May and cabinet are now in denial and continue to defend Chequers but I guess sooner or later reality will dawn, even for them)? 4/

To see that backstop is not Irish reunification take a look at Hong Kong. When China got Hong Kong back from the UK as part of their agreement they promised a "One Country, Two Systems" regime" 5/
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_o…

According to the One Country, Two Systems regime, Hong Kong citizens could continue to practice capitalism and political freedoms forbidden on the mainland for 50 years.
China has political control, *even though* the regime in Hong Kong is different 6/

50 years China will patiently wait!
If the Cabinet is to be believed, the UK will not have to wait that long since they have apparently magical technology to make customs checks totally invisible that have eluded even the most advanced economies (e.g., Norway-Sweden) 7/

A brief terminological note.
The UK stands for "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"
Great Britain = Island comprising England, Wales, Scotland
Why do UK politicians always talk about "Britain"? (strictly speaking N Ireland is not part of it) /ends