DEAR SIR: The compromise that could get the deal over the line and replace the backstop would be a limited customs union, limited to agriculture, food, perishables, livestock, etc.

There would be no need for a hard border, we know the level of manufacturing in Northern Ireland and the Republic which could be dealt with by administration.

If there was a spike in the level of trade above the level of manufacturing it would set off alarm bells.

If checks had to be made, they could be made at the ports in the Republic.

With a free trade between the UK and the EU, the only thing that the customs officers would be looking for at our ports would be illegal drugs.

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