Thread by @KateAndrs

The substantial changes to the #BrexitDeal Johnson has secured make it significantly better than the deal before.

In fact, I’d say it’s a good deal outright, regardless of previous versions. It unlocks the opportunities that Brexit creates. 1/10

The backstop is gone. The UK is out of the Customs Union. This means all parts of the UK, including NI, can strike free trade deals around the world. Virtually all economists agree free trade boosts prosperity. Win/win for everyone. 2/10

Related, the Political Declaration has been rewritten re future relationship; no longer aiming for a customs-style arrangement, but rather a free trade deal with the EU. The UK will be autonomous in its decision-making; the EU will not be setting the UK’s taxes (ie tariffs)! 3/10

No more commitment to ‘level playing field measures’. Both sides right to emphasis “common high standards”, but ultimately if the UK wants to diverge on tax or competition rules it can. Again, means the UK is in charge of its own future on such critical matters. 4/10

NI - from an economic perspective, this is a very good deal. NI gets benefits of the UK’s free trade deals, also have access to the single market.

Consent mechanism injects democracy into deal - NI Assembly has the veto on its future arrangements w/ EU. 5/10

(Yes, the deal creates new burdens on trade within the UK, but as my brilliant colleague @MissVHewson pointed out today, so did May’s deal, without enabling the potential benefits that Johnson’s deal could bring. iea.org.uk/the-new-brexit… 6/10)

@MissVHewson The DUP’s frustrations are understandable. But ultimately, relationship with EU/Ireland has to be a decision for NI as a whole, not one political party within it. Hard to see another circumstance where we'd accept one party (SNP, Lib Dem, etc) being granted a veto like that. 7/10

@MissVHewson Furthermore, instability and suspensions re Stormont have been an elephant in the room for too long now. Even if not intended, a possible consequence of this deal could be, over time, those issues are confronted and addressed. 8/10

@MissVHewson And important to remember - the terms in the deal can be trumped by the successful negotiation of a free trade agreement with between the UK and the EU. So it’s possible many of the provisions around NI won’t be relevant in a few years time. 9/10

@MissVHewson Overall, this deal allows the UK and EU to be great friends and trading partners, both now & down the road. That’s exactly how it should be. An independent UK with a strong ally by its side. Johnson did good. It’s time for MPs to be brave & get the #BrexitDeal over the line 10/10