Thread by @hayward_katy

Karen Wheeler (formerly of UK govt #Border Delivery group) made some interesting points at @ifgevents #IfGBrexit today.*
Here's a v.brief summary.
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*[so did @AllieRenison and @Lorand_Bartels too, you won't be surprised to hear]

She said UK govt has been trying to guide UK businesses in prep for #NoDeal but particularly difficult for NI.
'Cos v. unclear how IRL wd deal with border.

Without knowing arrangements on the other side, it is extremely difficult for cross-border traders to prepare/comply.

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This leaves NI businesses at a heavy disadvantage in a No Deal, being only prepared for the UK side of trade.

Worsened, she noted, by high number of small businesses in cross-border trade.

Unilateral policy of the UK for land border in a No Deal thus 'somewhat difficult'.

3/5

She said it was imperative to avoid "installing a hard border" & this was UK priority in its unilateral approach to #NoDeal border.

But still for NI exporters, it cd be extremely difficult to move from one side of the border to the other AND harder to prepare for #NoDeal.
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My analysis:
- perhaps explains some advice to NI firms in UK govt's No Deal notices, ie 'ask the Irish'.

- logical thing cd be to assume all EU rules will apply to all UK trade post-Brexit. And prepare for the worst?

- shows how vital UK/IRL communication/coordination is.
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