This story is not getting better for the UK government. Time to stop digging holes on what would have been barely a story if handled sensibly.
More on the story of the EU technical office in Northern Ireland, showing neither side blameless. Often forgotten is that Northern Ireland will be following practically the entire EU rulebook for goods under treaty, this is not just about customs checks. rte.ie/news/brexit/20…
Practically, on the ground, for handling inevitable issues of Northern Ireland following EU rules it will be better to have a local presence rather that having to route through Brussels, London, or Dublin. Symbolically as well I'd suggest. Time for rather more sensitive handling.
Alternate take. Having discussed with @RaoulRuparel on here recently I think we could probably find common ground that sensitively handled this shouldn't have been the issue it has become. My compromise - EU gets low-key office, isn't at all / many checks.
And thanks to those pointing out both the US and China have consulates in Belfast. Right now I'm hoping we won't need their intervention even if it is a precedent...
PS You don't need to @ me to tell me that @RaoulRuparel has a different take, or @ him the other way round. We're perfectly capable of having a good discussion based on differing views, hopefully helping understand complex situations and even suggesting solutions.
