Brexit briefing: How to salvage the Brexit negotiations

“A long-term customs union would reduce the number of checks necessary between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, since tariffs and rules of origin would not be an issue. And, as tempers cool over time — and if the wave of populism that currently threatens the EU recedes — it may be possible to bolt on shared rules and standards to the customs union, so that it gets closer to membership of the single market in goods. This strategy would amount to a ‘de-dramatisation’ of Chequers in order to make it more palatable to the EU, but it would not remove the need to agree a backstop.” (Sam Lowe and John Springford of the Centre for European Reform)