Common sense compromises are opportunity for NI to become Hong Kong of Europe after Brexit

I DON’T understand why Northern Ireland doesn’t see the current situation as a tremendous opportunity to become the Hong Kong of Europe.

What if the UK proposed the following with regard to the Irish border?

1) The UK will continue to honour all agreements for cross-border co-operation consistent with the Good Friday Agreement, including in the areas of health, education, energy transmission and infrastructure.

2) The movement of UK and Irish citizens between the UK and the Republic of Ireland will not be impeded, except in the case of policing with regard to active security and criminal justice incidents and cases. Non-Irish EU citizens will be screened when travelling between Ireland and mainland UK.

3) There shall be no trade barriers between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To facilitate this, products made in Northern Ireland will comply with all EU regulations.

Representations to the EU regarding trade, agriculture, and manufacturing by firms resident in Northern Ireland will be made through the North-South Ministerial Council. Recommendations will be forwarded to the EU by the Irish after consultation with the UK.

4) Products made in Northern Ireland in accordance with EU standards will be considered to have met all UK regulatory standards and will not be subject to any internal trade requirements inconsistent with Northern Ireland’s status as a part of the UK.

5) Products produced in mainland UK in accordance with UK regulations and laws will be accepted without barriers on the island of Ireland, but will be required to meet all trade requirements if transhipped to the rest of the EU.