Innovative Irish Brexit proposal could work to Scotland’s advantage

Queens University academic James Anderson recently proposed an innovative solution to a hard Brexit border in Ireland by creating two relatively ‘soft’ borders, one at the Northern Irish border and one in the Irish Sea.

He argued that Ireland would benefit from being in this ‘air pocket’ between these ‘double doors’, protecting the all-island economy by allowing the free entry of people and goods from Britain and the EU.

This proposal has merit but the omission of Scotland is a mistake.

Scotland overwhelmingly voted in favour of remaining in the EU, by 62 per cent to 38 per cent, and has strong historic cultural and trade links with NI, so may not welcome the EU’S preferential treatment of its neighbours.

Customs checks at Hadrian’s Wall (if the Brexit deal requires them) may be harder to maintain than at airports and Irish Sea ports but there is more to be gained from freetrade across this north-west region.

For example, the proposed North-south Interconnector, which will provide a vital link between the two electricity transmission systems in Ireland, shows that cross-jurisdiction infrastructure may become the norm - providing scope for greater tourism, scientific research and transport connections between Ireland and Scotland.

Also, given modern technological industries the Irish Sea should no longer be seen as a strong natural boundary.

Imagine an answer to England’s ‘Northern Powerhouse’, with smart integrated travel ticketing, unparalleled customer service for international businesses through a voluntary ‘customer services charter’, an infrastructure and business advisory council to address the region’s geographical challenges and opportunities (think superb landscape and lifestyle).

However, it is Ruth Davidson who holds the key to this, as the Brexit deal is unlikely to survive without the support of her Scottish Conservative MPS. Having campaigned so furiously to remain in the EU, she could hardly turn down the chance for Scotland to remain in both the UK and the EU.

BRIAN POPE (Chartered civil engineer), Co. Down , Northern Ireland The UK people voted for Brexit because we reckoned the drawbacks of membership, including loss of sovereignty, of control of our borders, laws and finances, now outweigh any tangible benefits.

The EU Commissioners do not want us to leave, because of fears of a large scale EU break up and the loss of our huge annual subscription.

By sending David Cameron home a couple of years ago without real concessions, they showed carelessness of a Brexit risk and now, doubtless flummoxed, must be conscious of their own, and the EU’S, insecurity. Also, the UK’S large trade imbalance with European nations will be prompting their industrialists to urge for a mutually favourable settlement for fear of tariffs when we leave.

Rightly, our negotiators have not disclosed their hand but, as politicians and civil servants, may lack the business/ financial skills to optimise the settlement. Therefore, an expert in business dealing should, arguably, join their ranks. Who could be nominated to secure the best deal ?

DR CHARLES WARDROP Viewlands Road West, Perth