If this report is accurate it is a source of concern.
irishtimes.com/opinion/cervic…
irishtimes.com/opinion/cervic…
"the Government may be prepared to ease off on its demand for the backstop if – & only if – the British government demonstrates a firm commitment to, and viable plan for, the customs partnership option in such a form that the European Commission thinks is a realistic way forward"
The point of a backstop is that it is there in the event that other options (like an all-UK customs partnership that actually worked) fall through. And the December agreement agreed the principle of a backstop.
What would "easing off on its demands for the backstop" mean then? Opening up the December agreement that was so heralded by the government at the time?
It's one thing to hope that the backstop will not in fact be required, because of an all-UK agreement with the EU that removes the need for borders anywhere. We all hope that, I assume.
It's another thing entirely to dispense with the backstop.
Just as it is one thing to hope that your house doesn't burn down, but another to stop paying your home insurance.
Just as it is one thing to hope that your house doesn't burn down, but another to stop paying your home insurance.
If what the report means is that "the Government may be prepared to ease off on its demand for the backstop to be implemented in practice if..." then that would be another matter entirely!
What would "easing off on its demands for the backstop" mean then? Opening up the December agreement that was so heralded by the government at the time?
It's one thing to hope that the backstop will not in fact be required, because of an all-UK agreement with the EU that removes the need for borders anywhere. We all hope that, I assume.
It's another thing entirely to dispense with the backstop.
Just as it is one thing to hope that your house doesn't burn down, but another to stop paying your home insurance.
Just as it is one thing to hope that your house doesn't burn down, but another to stop paying your home insurance.
If what the report means is that "the Government may be prepared to ease off on its demand for the backstop to be implemented in practice if..." then that would be another matter entirely!
(Apologies for retweeting to fix a thread that became broken somewhere along the way but since @pmdfoster retweeted me I thought it made sense to do that. Note that @PatLeahyIT has since clarified what that line in his article meant..)
Here is that clarification:
