Thread by @hayward_katy

Short thread in response to proposals put forward by @FaullJonathan et al. as an alternative to the #backstop.

They claim to offer a compromise that both UK & EU can accept.

It's a sophisticated proposition but is it a runner?

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@BBCr4today
#Brexit verfassungsblog.de/an-offer-the-e…

First, worth noting (and it's a pity this is so) they downplay the complexity of the NI/IRL challenge + exaggerate the scope of the #backstop.

For instance, the @BelfastAgmt meant much more than "the elimination of a physical [Irish] border".
See: bit.ly/2PfdPO5

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& It isn't true NI wd be in a different regulatory regime to GB (ie EU's).
#Backstop wd mean NI alignment in v.specific areas.

Nor that the UK would be in the EU's Customs Union.
It would be in the customs territory of the EU.

Such detail matters. bit.ly/2HqdmSK

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Their alternative?
- regimes of dual autonomy
- reciprocal controls
- UK ensures goods crossing @BorderIrish southwards are compliant with EU rules, & vice versa.
- spot checks & standards centres away from border
- pre-clearance
- EU trade centres in UK re: customs

So 👇
4/5

The idea has merits (not least in cooperative approach plus focus on bigger pic of regimes not just facilitation).

Outstanding Qs:
- VAT
- agri-food: How to ensure goods entering EU comply w/ its v.strict rules?
- how to disincentivise & catch the determinedly non-compliant?
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