A fuss about nothing

YET again, Remoaners are seeking to portray an easily soluble difficulty as an insurmountable obstacle to Brexit. This time, they claim EU withdrawal will cause insuperable problems at the Irish border.

In fact, yesterday’s Government proposals offer an eminently workable solution. Under these, the UK and Ireland would preserve the Common Travel Area that has existed throughout the British Isles since the 1920s – long before the EU came into being – with all the same rights as now.

True, with no physical barriers or passport checks along the border, people from all over the EU will be free to enter the UK through Ireland. But since they’ll lose their automatic right to work and claim benefits here after Brexit, there’s little reason to think many would-be migrants will try to get in through the Irish back door.

As for goods, electronic technology means customs clearance can be arranged in advance, with no need for border posts. Random spot-checks should ensure any tariffs have been paid (though a free trade agreement between Britain and the EU would make even these unnecessary).

Indeed, all that is needed is the political will to make it work. UK ministers have shown they have it. But what about EU negotiators? Are they, like Remoaners, set on creating difficulties where none exists?