*Personal Opinion*
A border in the Irish Sea was the only way this was ever going to work, and it's positive the UK Government now accepts that.
A sea border is inherently easier to administer, more secure, and a less visible reminder of NI's dual status than one on land.
A border in the Irish Sea was the only way this was ever going to work, and it's positive the UK Government now accepts that.
A sea border is inherently easier to administer, more secure, and a less visible reminder of NI's dual status than one on land.
There was no form of realistic Brexit that wasn't going to annoy either Unionists or Republicans.
However, different forms to fill out at the docks is incomparable to what would have been required to make a land border work.
However, different forms to fill out at the docks is incomparable to what would have been required to make a land border work.
Even had checkpoints at the actual border been somehow avoided, there would have needed to be surveillance, license plate cameras, roving patrols and audits of NI businesses.
Not that a border in the sea is without its own problems, or rather the problems inherent to any border.
Firms which previously moved goods freely will need to spend time and money on costly border administration.
For some smaller, lower margin businesses that could be fatal.
Firms which previously moved goods freely will need to spend time and money on costly border administration.
For some smaller, lower margin businesses that could be fatal.
But this was always going to happen if the UK wasn't interested in remaining in the Single Market and Customs Union of the EU.
A sea border isn't perfect, but it's a heck of a load (sorry) better than any other option for getting Brexit done.
A sea border isn't perfect, but it's a heck of a load (sorry) better than any other option for getting Brexit done.
