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A great thread; correctly taking aim at both the AG, and the broader Brexit context. For the EU, there is a better alternative to the backstop - put simply, the backstop ends if the UK remains within the single market (or indeed the customs union, with goods alignment). 1/
It is less easy to know what sort of arrangements Brexiters will countenance. The backstop is (pretty much) the minimum requirement in terms alignment etc which ensures no hard border in Ireland (and minimal regulatory checks in the Irish Sea). But, the ERG want more freedom. 2/
The onus is on them to show what sort of arrangements exist, or can be found, which are consistent with both the desired freedom (to make trade deals, etc), and with the no hard border with Ireland commitment. 3/
It is not EU bad faith, or a lack of best endeavours, which creates the problem. It is that, try as they might (and they have tried) Brexiters have not yet found an answer. Until they do, the backstop (or closer) it will be. 4/4
