Hopes are running high that the publication of a white paper today by the UK government will be a positive step forward in Brexit negotiations.

The white paper will outline the UK’s intention to remain part of a customs partnership with Europe, which will allow for frictionless trade between the north and south of Ireland, while permitting the UK to have its own independent trade policies.

Controversy has reigned in the ruling UK Conservative party since the finalisation of the white paper last week, with two high-profile cabinet ministers resigning in protest, stating the white paper contradicted the wishes of the voting public who wanted more autonomy from Europe.

However, with roughly nine months to go until the official UK exit from the EU, it remains to be seen if the UK’s white paper will be accepted by the European Union.

There is a feeling in Brussels that the UK is attempting to cherry-pick aspects of the single market that benefits the UK at the expense of the EU.

“We have to be clear that a country outside the EU and single market cannot have the same benefits and advantages as a member state inside the EU,” Manfred Weber, a German member of the European Parliament told RTÉ.

“For me it [white paper] is only a starting point.”

At home

It’s a concerning situation of Ireland given the strong trade relations with the UK.

Up to 40,000 jobs are at risk in the event of a hard border, according to Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe.

The minister also told the Dáil yesterday that the agri-trade industry would be one of the most severely hit sectors, in the event of the introduction of strict customs arrangements in the event of a hard Brexit.

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