To ask Her Majesty's Government how they will address concerns by EU officials regarding the UK’s backstop proposal for the Irish border.
Answered on
25 June 2018
The Government published a technical paper on customs setting out the UK’s proposal for a temporary customs arrangement between the UK and EU as a backstop solution for the Northern Ireland and Ireland land border, that would only come into force in specific and narrow circumstances. It is in line with Joint Report commitments on avoiding a hard border and maintaining the constitutional integrity of the UK.
It remains the UK’s intention to negotiate an overall economic relationship with the EU that avoids the need for this backstop.
Michel Barnier confirmed that he had not rejected the UK’s proposals. Discussions on the temporary customs arrangements have already begun and we look forward to making progress.