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This is fair. Though it also highlights a common misconception about Alternative Arrangements. They were never really about technology, they ultimately rested on derogations from EU law & changing how the law operates. E.g. when & where SPS checks need to take place. (1/5) https://twitter.com/JP_Biz/status/1358820112019652611
This is an important point, because this is becoming the battleground again over the Protocol. The EU is saying it will be flexible within the confines of EU law. Well, that's not really flexibility. There isn't much that can be done in that scope. (2/5)
Stepping back its pretty obvious that EU law around customs & SPS is not designed for the proximity or volume of trade between GB & NI or even GB & EU. Let alone designed to be operated in the middle of a country & in the context of sensitivities of both communities in NI (3/5)
Equally, its entirely fair to say, why should the EU change its rules for the UK which chose to leave. The question comes down to whether the unique challenges in NI warrant it, at the moment the EU doesn't believe they do. (4/5)
I still feel we're talking a bit cross purposes. In asking for pragmatism, the UK is really asking for movements in EU law. If the EU isn't willing to consider that, then while there can be grace periods or tinkering on the edges its hard to see how anything major changes. (5/5)
