What is the Northern Ireland backstop exactly?
What are it’s functions, why are people so upset about it and how did Brexit reach this stage of fubarness?
31-35, M
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
It was something that Theresa May agreed with the EU about a year ago and is trying to bail out of.
Basically, it means as a default and non-negotiable option that Northern Ireland stays in the single market and the customs union.
All Northern Irish and Southern Irish parties determined to keep this in place because they trade with each other a lot and because many many businesses on both sides of the border are mutually dependent. As long as this remains in place you can't have a hard-Brexit and total break.
The DUP (which has been propping up May's Government) don't like the Southern Irish but they don't wanna tank their own economy. They have broken with May because her current 'compromise deal' between hard and soft Brexit leaves open the possibility for customs checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The DUP are hardcore unionists and are vehemently against any deal which would take Northern Ireland closer to the Irish Republic than to Britain.
I hope that explains it a bit but I know its really complicated and messy.
Basically, it means as a default and non-negotiable option that Northern Ireland stays in the single market and the customs union.
All Northern Irish and Southern Irish parties determined to keep this in place because they trade with each other a lot and because many many businesses on both sides of the border are mutually dependent. As long as this remains in place you can't have a hard-Brexit and total break.
The DUP (which has been propping up May's Government) don't like the Southern Irish but they don't wanna tank their own economy. They have broken with May because her current 'compromise deal' between hard and soft Brexit leaves open the possibility for customs checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. The DUP are hardcore unionists and are vehemently against any deal which would take Northern Ireland closer to the Irish Republic than to Britain.
I hope that explains it a bit but I know its really complicated and messy.
SW-User
@Burnley123 The irony is that the DUP are possibly pushing NI closer to ROI. There are provisions for a border poll in the Hood Friday agreement. My impression from friends, relatives and ex colleagues is that there is growing number of people in NI that would welcome one. Afterall, everyone loves a referendum 😏
Longpatrol · 31-35, M
If they do decide to switch teams, do they have do join the Euro?@SW-User
SW-User
@Longpatrol Yes, if they became part of a united Ireland. I think it's still unlikely, but a little more likely than it was.
Burnley123 · 41-45, M
SW-User
@Burnley123 I know, I suggested to a friend recently that Arlene was a Sinn Fein mole. He pointed out that her maiden name was Kelly and she comes from Bandit country. I'm getting a draft film ready, I've got Adriam Dunbar and Steven Rea earmarked for leading parts.