Thread by @JP_Biz

The Head of the NI Civil Service has sent an updated no-deal Brexit letter to the local parties warning of "grave" consequences which could have a "profound & long lasting impact on society."

Much content is similar to a letter David Stering wrote to Whitehall depts in December. But some of the language is tougher warning of “sharp increase in unemployment"

Also that if a no-deal exit is felt to be handled in an unfair manner then there could be "additional challenges for the police if the approach appeared to be unfair or unreasonable for some of those most affected"

I think the most important paragraph in this letter is one which refers to 'a very serious dilemma'.

The language is slightly coded but it seems Mr Sterling is saying the no-deal choice will be this:
1) Have new checks & controls on NI goods entering the Republic
2) Effectively see north to south agri food trade cease

He says this dilemma could only be resolved 'if there were to be a material shift in the fundamental position, including the statutory obligations, of one or more of the authorities'

The letter also says 'trade with Ireland could only continue on a legal basis if arrangements were put in place to collect tariffs and fulfil other regulatory obligations'

Seems to be this is about as close as you could expect a senior civil servant to get to suggesting the intention of avoiding a hard border mght not be sustainable.

I now have the letter. This is the key bit.