May has only one choice at this point if she wants to avoid losing her job - she needs to withdraw the NI backstop text. It was a mistake of unimaginable proportions to agree to it (as I said at the time). In particular, she needs to withdraw the commitment to 'no infrastructure' on the border as it is not reasonable or necessary to give that undertaking and it is now being used to bind her hands in negotiations.
She should say, quite reasonably, that infrastructure may be required at the border but that this will not involve physically stopping or inspecting any person or vehicle at the border.
Once she has done this, we can move forward with a sensible discussion on what is required to implement a customs solution.
The EU can scream all they like, but there are only two solutions to the NI border - the customs union (not acceptable) or maxfac. No need to beat around the bush any longer- the UK should say that we will be proceeding with maxfac regardless of the outcome of negotiations even if that requires some border infrastructure. I really doubt that anyone in ROI or NI actually cares if they have to drive under a gangway at the border as long as they don't have to stop.
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She should say, quite reasonably, that infrastructure may be required at the border but that this will not involve physically stopping or inspecting any person or vehicle at the border.
Once she has done this, we can move forward with a sensible discussion on what is required to implement a customs solution.
The EU can scream all they like, but there are only two solutions to the NI border - the customs union (not acceptable) or maxfac. No need to beat around the bush any longer- the UK should say that we will be proceeding with maxfac regardless of the outcome of negotiations even if that requires some border infrastructure. I really doubt that anyone in ROI or NI actually cares if they have to drive under a gangway at the border as long as they don't have to stop.