Dr Graham Gudgin | Conservative Home

The third of a series of pieces from Policy Exchange looking at specific issues that arise from the Brexit trade deal.

In 2014 the rules were almost designed to maximise the independence vote. This time London must take the question much more seriously.

Throwing money around will not help. A natonal effort is needed to show that the UK is a force for good in a troubled world.

It should take advantage of the current macro-economic environment afforded by low borrowing costs, to provide stable – and sizeable – funding.

The Prime Minister has avoided some of the potential dangers, but nonetheless introduced a border inside the United Kingdom.

The job now needs to be completed by shoring up workers’ incomes and firms’ revenues to as close to 100 per cent as is practical.

A series of mini-deal, plus unilateral preparations by the UK, mean that most of the building blocks for a managed No Deal are already in place.

The talks appear to be taking place on a more constructive basis – and within striking distance of an accommodation.

The report suggests that electronic border controls are feasible, and recommends a set of best practice arrangements based on existing arrangements.

A sensible solution is achievable, but unnecessary brinksmanship and over-the-top rhetoric helps nobody.

What is strange about the Irish Government’s approach is its lack of overt support for a free-trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

Posts by Dr Graham Gudgin