Thread by @hayward_katy

Here we go: Very initial impressions of the #WithdrawalAgreement's Protocol on NI/IRL #backstop, drawing heavily on UK Explainer of the same. tinyurl.com/ydfrvcdc 1/8

First, some general points I think are worth noting, mainly about how the UK is trying to frame it & what has changed in the Preamble to the #Protocol.
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To the #backstop, which is now about avoiding north/south AND east/west barriers... at least at face value.
UK keen to emphasise its temporary nature & unlikely implementation.
Initial decision on whether it comes into force will have to be made by 1 July 2020 & by the UK.
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Application of EU law under the Protocol for NI. Very briefly summarised here. Notes roles for both UK and EU institutions, bodies, authorities.
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Yay! Customs and VAT and excise!
Here is the means by which UK seeks to meet the commitment in the Taxation (Cross Border Trade) Act to keep NI in same customs territory as UK.
But when might a single customs territory have customs controls within it? Read Annex 3 carefully.
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Movement of goods NI/IRL - no more common regulatory area, but a certain limited degree of harmonisation.
Again, remember this isn't the intended landing zone.
Another tonne of material in the annexes (which I haven't yet properly read or digested, obvs).
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New bodies: some we knew about from the last draft (Joint Committee and Specialised Committee), others are new (e.g. Joint Consultative Working Group and Arbitration Panel).
Hugely important responsibilities for these.
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Finally, for now, the Review mechanisms. How will the Backstop stop?

Note: text in green is my opinion, wh I have tried to keep to a minimum in these slides.

Also: there is much re Protocol (esp on N/S coop) I've not covered but I want to do that properly. & not at 2am.
😟
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