The DUP leader rejects “any form of regulatory divergence which separates Northern Ireland economically or politically from the rest of the UK”.
Of course Ulster’s trade with the mainland must be protected as top priority, but a degree of flexibility on regulations in a small number of sectors is sensible.
The Cabinet Ministers who backed Leave have gone along with a payment of some £50 billion. But they are digging in their heels over the role of the court – rightly.
Also: DUP gear up for enhanced role whilst working on border compromise; and Holyrood committee shows its teeth and plunges SNP policy into chaos.
The DUP leader has not yet shown she knows how to make the strange machinery set up in Stormont work.
Dublin is in danger of setting conditions that Westminster cannot meet. Instead, we must return to our historic willingness to navigate difficulties together.
The former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland says there’s already a border and in all his visits “not a single person has ever said it presents a problem”.
Dublin likes to cite the Belfast Agreement, and we certainly all need what it exemplified – that’s to say, a good old-fashioned face-saving fudge.
Hammond tries to lure Stormont back to its feet with yet more powers; Scots Tories highlight Budget role; and more.
A sensible solution is achievable, but unnecessary brinksmanship and over-the-top rhetoric helps nobody.
Also: Scottish Labour plunge into chaos again as interim leader resigns; Brokenshire threatens MLAs’ pay; MPs debate ‘indyref2’; and more.
Also: Brokenshire challenges Brussels to find a ‘creative solution’ for Northern Ireland; Jones faces calls to quit after colleague’s apparent suicide; Salmond bids for control of anti-independence paper.
In a no-deal scenario, we must be prepared with a detailed plan which takes into account the trading and regulatory differences between industries.
Given its majority and manifesto, the Government cannot take on both delivering Brexit and quitting the court. But it must stand fast against the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
What is almost certainly motivating the Taoiseach’s comments is the lack of concrete proposals about how proposed new arrangements will work.