1/ So, Michel Barnier has made quite a lot of remarks about the UK's proposals here. In the interests of balance, this is how the Brits see things. First up, they believe that the arrangements they've put forward are operable and dispute the idea that they're untested.
2/ They argue that many of the solutions they've tabled build on the EU's own Customs Code and are in operation already in the UK, EU, and indeed wider world. In particular stuff like much talked about Trusted Trader Schemes. As such, they argue they don't lean on new technology.
3/ They point out the importance of the UK staying in the Common Transit Convention after Brexit. They're also looking for simplified procedures on customs such as on declarations. This would rely on close cooperation between both sides' customs declarations services.
4/ UK source: 'None of the proposals or ideas around enforcement are new. They’re already in existence. There’s enough existing technology to make the system operable by the end of the implementation period. It’s about cooperation to get an outcome that works.'
5/ Officials acknowledge that for UK's plan to work the EU will need to make exemptions, particularly for small businesses. But British officials believe it is feasible to find a trade off that delivers results while protecting the integrity of both the UK and EU markets.
6/ They admit there's a delicate balance to be struck but say checks would be minimal in proportion to the quantity and value of trade. Many wouldn't need to be done physically. This relies on significant data cooperation between EU and UK customs authorities to combat smuggling.
7/ UK source: 'We need to have a negotiation. We’ve got proposals and the talks have been useful to go through them. We can engage with specific objections and counter proposals. That’s what you get into a negotiation for. The ideas are credible.'
8/ There is also the political element. They say the current backstop has been rejected 3 times by MPs. And May's vision for future relations is a thing of the past - so the backstop is no longer the basis for a trade deal featuring close customs and regulatory cooperation.
9/ UK source: 'If we’re both serious about trying to have an FTA and avoiding a hard border, to reflect the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland, then a degree of flexibility to achieve that is what you need.' That, in a nutshell, is the UK's take on Barnier's objections.
