Thread by @pmdfoster

So @LeoVaradkar admits that SPS (phytosanitary) checks would need border, if UK doesn't agree to do them at ports. But suggests that goods/tariffs/customs can be done by tech...but even that isn't as simple as suggested. 1/thread

bbc.co.uk/news/world-eur…

@LeoVaradkar Mr Varadkar seemed to be suggesting a 'transit' system of the kind outline by @tconnellyRTE at the weekend....which makes checks 'destination-based'...but this is over-simplifying.../2

rte.ie/news/analysis-…

@LeoVaradkar @tconnellyRTE But as I understand it, the Irish Govt would still need legal derogation from EU to avoid needing to scan the barcode of ‘every’ single goods consignment AT the border, itself.

@SamuelMarcLowe @DavidHenigUK and others may have views on this. /3

@LeoVaradkar @tconnellyRTE @SamuelMarcLowe @DavidHenigUK The Irish would also need EU exemptions so that the majority of small traders who are ‘non registered consignors/consignees’ don't need to export and import goods formally through an ‘office of arrival/departure’ /4

@LeoVaradkar @tconnellyRTE @SamuelMarcLowe @DavidHenigUK And if they don't get this exemption (no signs thus far) they will need build the relevant infrastructure soon enough, even if it's not right on the border. That would be physical symbol, and as PSNI warns, a target. /5

@LeoVaradkar @tconnellyRTE @SamuelMarcLowe @DavidHenigUK And of course this doesn't touch the SPS issue which @JP_Biz outlines here...if the UK doesn't agree to do all SPS checks GB-NI, then what?

Coz politically (as we've seen) that will be backstop 2.0. /6

All of which is to say, that even the 'goods' part of this is not as easy as many would have you believe.

7/ ENDS