Brexit: Why the Irish backstop matters - BBC Newsnight

A key part of the Brexit negotiations has been the border that separates Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
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The border is a matter of great political, security and diplomatic sensitivity in Ireland.
Therefore the UK and EU agreed that whatever happens as a result of Brexit there should be no new physical checks or infrastructure at the frontier.
This is where the controversial "backstop" comes in.
Jonathan Powell, former chief British negotiator in Northern Ireland and one of the architects of the Good Friday Agreement, explains the backstop.
Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.
Website: www.bbc.co.uk/newsnight
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[@MrExEssex]

These days, it's so refreshing to hear from a person who has the experience and expertise to explain the situation and then does so in a calm, clear manner. Plaudits to Jonathan Powell.

[@bocca7789]

Man is a sell out blairite.

[@stephenconway2468]

So you accept wrecking a peace deal that took 10 years to come about! Where was that in the vote material from Leave?

[@RobertK1993]

Brexiteers can be blown up by dissident Republicans if a hard border is put up Republicans like Loyalists if backed into cornerback against a wall will lash out.

[@RobertK1993]

pammens miss F off English twat you can deal with the IRA.

[@johnsimspon8893]

@@RobertK1993 "English twat" that's a bit racist. Good capitalization though.

[@frmcf]

Listen to the man. The only person I've heard on the UK news that knows what he's talking about. Maitlis seems genuinely surprised by what everyone in Ireland and most in Scotland know is obvious.

[@declanmcardle]

I noticed that too. She needs to do a bit more homework. She's being called out on Twitter for this aswell...

[@mjw12345]

Ah! In fairness, Maitlis is pretty well informed. She introduced her questions by acknowledging the immense achievement of the GFA and the role Powell played!

[@andyedge1973]

Don’t worry she will soon forget and go back to excepting the peace wrecking of a conservative Brexit policy doomed to fail under bogus Boris.

[@TremereTT]

Now let's have look and wait how long it takes until he is fired...

[@lellyparker]

She has to take a somewhat contrary position to give Jonathan Powell the opportunity to explain the problem. She actually did a good job in this interview in handing him the queues to deliver his information.

[@kicka11]

What an excellent interviewee. Informed, calm, knowledgeable.

[@hopethisworks1212]

Why is it that people as coherent as this are not running the country?

[@joelsummerhayes739]

I can only assume he is far too sensible to even contemplate running for office.

[@joelsummerhayes739]

@Derreck Jones Why on Earth would he BS? He spent ten years helping to create the peace in NI. He must be steeped in the nuances of each sides positions. Don't misinterprete wisdom and experience (and intelligence) for BS please. You don't have to agree with the man but he is not talking BS.

[@taintabird23]

Because of people like Derreck Jones.

[@chestypants78]

It's refreshing to listen someone like Jonathan Powell who fully understands the backstop and is able to clearly explain it. No stutters, no waffle, unlike the Johnsons, Moggs, Francois', Farages etc of this world.

[@omac6992]

Jonathan Powell, first person to display a clear understanding of the border and the different scenarios and outcomes on the bbc.

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

The Tories violated the Good Friday Agreement as soon as they entered a confidence and supply agreement with the DUP. You cannot possibly be a neutral arbiter in NI if you are reliant on the support of one of the parties to maintain your government’s existence.

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

@James Berry Indeed I have. Article 1 (v) should be instructive here: "...affirm that whatever choice is freely exercised by a majority of the people of Northern Ireland, the power of the sovereign government with jurisdiction there shall be exercised with rigorous impartiality on behalf of all the people in the diversity of their identities and traditions and shall be founded on the principles of full respect for, and equality of, civil, political, social and cultural rights, of freedom from discrimination for all citizens, and of parity of esteem and of just and equal treatment for the identity, ethos, and aspirations of both communities." How can sovereign government be exercised "with rigorous impartiality on behalf of all the people" if the Tories are in bed with the DUP? It's an impossibility. www.dfa.ie/media/dfa/alldfawebsitemedia/ourrolesandpolicies/northernireland/good-friday-agreement.pdf

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

@James Berry Yes, I'm sure that the fruits of that "cooperation" will last into the future, and specifically beyond the next general election, ROTFLMAO. The DUP's farming base will need it when their CAP subsidies and cross-border trade dry up... I'm sceptical that these monies have been distributed impartially, as an aside. We all know that the DUP aren't very good with managing public funds. What was the damage on RHI, 500 million pounds or so? Most of which made it their supporters, funnily enough. And yes, I'm aware of that full title of the Conservative Party, and it would have been fairly obvious to anyone with any knowledge of history what their orientation is anyway. This does not obviate them from their legal obligations as previously stated. It would be just as pertinent if Sinn Féin or the SDLP were to support a Labour administration externally. The rest of your post is vapid spin, distracting from the core point of this exchange: that the Tories violated the GFA. Given BoJo's long track record of mendacity, this is something likely to continue into the future. Sláinte go léir!

[@miamulcahy8290]

@James Berry Are you crazy. I have never heard a more ridiculous arguement in my life - of course SF are not impartial, neither are the DUP. They are the two sides in this match, unbelievable silly statement. The Tories were suppose to be the referee and remain impartial. The minute May had them propping the Tories in a Brexit mandated government, they picked a side. As for the funding secured by the DUP - this is clearly a bribe and doesnt fix a disfunctioning ecconomy. As for the mans sun tan, what the hell does that have to do with anything. Really you need to think before you speak

[@RobertK1993]

Tory/DUP are losing Sinn Fein/IRA that just sad and pathetic letting bunch of socialist humiliating them.

[@RobertK1993]

James Berry British army wasted time and lives in that waste of time conflict.

[@antonphelan7252]

The Irish people may not agree with everything domestic that their government may do but be very clear that the vast majority support their stance on the backstop against an increasing hostility from both the ERG and the English gutter press

[@henrybn14ar]

The EU is forcing the Republic to erect the border, not the British government proposing to put up a barrier. And the end result is that people in the Republic will end up paying the EU tariffs or the extra transport costs on goods imported from continental Europe.

[@stephenconway2468]

@@henrybn14ar WTO rules mandate (but not directly enforce) that Ireland puts up hard borders. It is international trade and not the EU as such that makes this the case. It is the same pressure that will apply to the UK.

[@antonphelan7252]

Henry Law And whose stupid idea was it to have a referendum without thinking it through Oh the arrogant English

[@95winston]

@@antonphelan7252 Why not ask the people of northern Ireland whether they want a backstop …….. fuck what the DUP head bangers and Arlena Foster want …… If its more palatable for the Brexiteers just change the name to THE UNICORN ARRANGEMENT instead of the Backstop

[@chrisc3197]

@looes74 looes74 Sure about that

[@samhartford5889]

Thank you. Finally pure fact. The UK has to make a choice.

[@sausagejockyGaming]

Boomer Galactica the actual main reason the Uk cares about no border with ireland is because of the US congress who some threaten to block any UK-US trade deal if tensions arise in northern ireland

[@eoghanomalley1155]

This guy sums the whole thing up perfectly. Wish the rest of them would listen to him

[@davannagle450]

Finally a refreshing commentator who actually understands the situation.

[@asanulsterman1025]

Not. An unreformed Blairite still obsessed with pandering to the IRA wishes.

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

Not really, just another pro-EU propaganda puppet spewing nonsense that is convenient to the agenda into which you have allowed yourself to be indoctrinated.

[@thewatchman6074]

Hahaha...nice bit of propaganda Davan

[@cros13]

@@asanulsterman1025 But pandering to the DUP (the political wing of the UVF and UDA) is OK?

[@stephenconway2468]

@@asanulsterman1025 - what did he say that was incorrect? What is your solution?

[@calummackinnon6956]

Finally some sense.

[@normabaggindale2027]

So you believe there is no ira or guns now and the peace wall will be coming down if we stay the religious hatred will always be there now that's finally some sense.

[@1chish]

@ Calum - No what you heard was the Blairite Pro EU anti Brexit garbage coupled with a goodly dose of Project Fear from one of Balir's henchmen. Do you never challenge WHO is saying what is being said and never wonder WHY it is being said? And the other clue was how Maitlis was reverentially quiet when Powell was spouting his pro EU crap. Unlike her other persona as 'interrupter in chief' of anyone from the Tory or Brexit side.

[@calummackinnon6956]

He is stating the facts. As someone who has border heritage and in Scotland have a lot of things in common with the whole of the Island of Ireland. Believe me, the IRA is active and it won’t take much to have it happen all over again. We’ve seen it happen. We can’t allow it to happen. Both the British and Irish govts need to be impartial, entering into the alliance with the DUP and going to their conference and meeting with them is not going to help get an executive restored. It is categorically backward to say that Ireland is a drain on English tax payers. We need to maintain peace in Northern Ireland. Fact is, if there is any sign of a North/South divide/border there will be violence. That cannot be allowed to happen. There is simply no solution to the Irish border currently. I’m not a labour voter and I never will be, but credit has to be given to that government for achieving the good Friday agreement. What you say about Emily not cutting in is a fair point, but he wasn’t making outlandish claims like many people on all sides of the debate. A border poll looks increasingly likely. With Boris as PM and reports coming out of the NI office things aren’t looking good to get Stormont back up and running.

[@bcent5758]

pammens miss - That’s ok so. Let the fanatics at it, sure they’re only the Irish. The people in northern Ireland have suffered and continue to live in a difficult situation. The lid has been kept on by the GF A and when the time is right to unify it will happen. Your condescension is one thing but your real lack of knowledge showing that you have not been to Northern Ireland and gone through the border pre and post GFA means that you are unqualified to put an opinion here.

[@michaelemonds]

A brilliant informed analysis of the implications of Brexit and the Irish border situation.

[@1chish]

No - A totally biased and politically misinforming bunch of crap from Blair's henchman who is peddling fake images of violence and the Army from a false presumption as his contribution to Project Fear Mk XXII. This man is a pro EU Leftie who owes Blair for a very comfortable lifestyle and so is peddling Blair's biased anti Brexit and anti Tory line. There will be no border infrastructure as none is needed not by the UK, Eire or the EU, the WTO or anyone else. We have two currencies, two rates of VAT and two different agrifoods regulations and we have no border. And neither does the GFA require 'no border'. Indeed it hardly mentions the border. Wake up and smell the coffee Michael....

[@Pkia-tm7gw]

What a strange situation if the DUP united the island of Ireland !

[@calummackinnon6956]

Pkia 1050 same here in Scotland. Tories are breaking up the union left right and centre.

[@ulsterscotsman6648]

Not going to happen.

[@Pkia-tm7gw]

@James Berry Thanks for your reply! Do you think 'Arlene and the Dinosaurs' would work! 😎🎰🍹

[@Pkia-tm7gw]

@catchfish205 Exactly! You got it, catchfish205.

[@prophetsnake]

@@ulsterscotsman6648 Yeh, it is, boyo. Like Britain? Love being British? Move there.

[@EamonnKee]

Amazing that before the 2016 vote.. the border did not feature in the discussions in Britain.. it was a big issue in N.Ireland tho. That's why NI voted remain.

[@Kraken54321]

It was the Catholics in Northern Ireland that voted remain.

[@EamonnKee]

@@Kraken54321 Northern Protestants voted remain too. Especially farmers. All main parties including Ulster Unionist Party advocatesd remain. Only the DUP (odd balls) wanted leave but will be in trouble now with their farming base.

[@roo64831]

It wasn't a regional vote tho was it ?

[@EamonnKee]

@@roo64831 it wasn't an informed vote. Leavers were misled and didn't know what tbey were voting for. They still don't know what tbey are getting. Brexit is a farce.

[@OGA_999]

@@EamonnKee Come on COME ON. Really? So only remainers knew perfectly well what they were voting for? Of course

[@phoebus45]

Pretty clear explanation. Frightening that elected British politicians are to prejudice against the Irish to listen to it.

[@ince55ant]

@looes74 looes74 as toxic as farage is, this is the result of decades of state enforced ignorance. The harm of the british empire has never been properly explained to its population. History in schools is all kings and queens from centuries ago, or the two world wars (well the good parts, they leave out the abject cruelty of people like Churchhill

[@1chish]

@Maith on fhear Crap. Churchill came to power after WWII had started and led the country to defend itself after the debacle of Dunkirk and then on to victory with its allies. To even mention the greatest Englishman ever in the same sentence as Hitler shows you to be a complete, ignorant and utter moron.

[@ince55ant]

@@1chish what fucking idiot thinks the homicidal racist churchhill is a better example of an englishman than any of the composers, artists, scientists or mathematicians? oh yeah a poorly educated idiot who is more blind than a great leader worshiping north korean

[@bexhandley814]

@@1chish If it were up to Churchill, we would have used the anthrax bomb on German cities. He tested this anthrax bomb on a Scottish Island - that island is still uninhabitable today. Furthermore, through stealing fast amount of agricultural crops to feed front line soldiers, Churchill directly caused a famine which killed more than 3 million Indian people. Just wanted to weigh in on that one ...

[@1chish]

@@bexhandley814 Well you do of course have proof Churchill a) approved its use and b) even intended to use it on the battlefield? No didn't think so. No its just your fabrication like before. And let me remind you he saw what Mustard Gas did to soldiers in WWI given his role but I guess you never knew that? The famine in India was initially nothing to do with Churchill. It was a natural catastrophe at a crucial time of the main 'Aman' rice harvest production earlier and he could not have done much of anything to relieve the situation given a) we were engaged in a long world war, b) we had little shipping available and c) we had lost huge sources of rice and grain to the Japanese in Burma. So precisely what could Churchill have done to relieve 2 Mn people and feed them for a year? "The Government of India's Famine Commission Report (1945) described Bengal as a 'land of rice growers and rice eaters'. Rice dominated the agricultural output of the province, accounting for nearly 88% of its arable land use and 75% of all crops sown. Overall, Bengal produced one third of India's rice - more than any other single province. Rice accounted for 75-85% of daily food consumption, with Fish the second major food source, supplemented by small amounts of wheat. The consumption of other foods was relatively small. There are three seasonal rice crops in Bengal. By far the most important is the winter crop of Aman rice. Sown in May and June and harvested in November and December, it produces about 70% of the total annual crop. Crucially, the shortfall in rice production in 1942 occurred during the all-important Aman harvest." Source: Famine Inquiry Commission (May 1945). Report on Bengal 1943. New Delhi: Manager of Publications, Government of India Press. Nice try at manipulation of facts but once again just your fabrication no doubt fuelled by your pathetic anti-English bias.

[@nadeemafzal5409]

Jonathan powell is such an eloquent speaker. Such clear thinking.

[@strofikornego9408]

1) UK is desperate to consume cheap American chlorinated chicken + 2) Republic of Ireland wants to be part of EU that does not allow such chicken => Physical border in Ireland is the only way to separate that chicken

[@madmartinline6]

Good job chickens don't fly.

[@Jellygamer0]

@@madmartinline6 Perfection...

[@sausagejockyGaming]

Strofi Kornego rofl i guess you dont understand that simply if the Uk allows US chlorinated chicken, we dont have to buy it, shops and restaurants will have to tell customers, and them shops and restaurants will still buy from the EU, the only people who will consider buying the american chicken are poor people as it will likely be a reduced price, but you wont even notice, i want a deal with usa and they can sell whatever rhe fuck they want doesnt mean ima go buy it

[@Jellygamer0]

@@sausagejockyGaming Most of it's 6-digit calorie shite anyway.

[@strofikornego9408]

US insists on making chlorination or origin labelling not-mandatory. So, there is simply no way to find what are you buying.

[@Bob-me8md]

Really good interview . Straight facts . Refreshing to hear

[@Bob-me8md]

Coeus 2.0 what did he say that was wrong ?

[@Bob-me8md]

Coeus 2.0 I feel for you . First off in regards to meeting with the dup what he simply stated is fact that Boris Johnson prime minister had a private dinner with the dup the first night in Northern Ireland and then Sinn Fein and the sdlp we given some time to tell him how they felt it clearly shows biase to who he needs and wants in this fight to stay in government instead of fighting for the people of Northern Ireland catholic and protestant. 2nd in regards to the cameras as someone who is from the border of Ireland again he is stating facts and what he said is if a technology border is put in place it will be targeted then the English government will have to have police man the border which will increase tensions and all its takes is one incident , god forbid it a policeman killed etc then the English government will be forced to bring in the army and you have to understand an English border in Ireland will not be tolerated and the troubles will start again not to mention how terrible economically for border towns and the whole of Ireland will suffer from a hard brexit . 3rd you talk about the eu rejecting proposals , well because in short they haven’t dealt with the fact that Northern Ireland is in Ireland and the border is the most porous border in the whole of the eu and then How it can deal with different regulatory alignments as stated in the Good Friday agreement without a border . Which will break the Good Friday agreement . An agreement between our nations of peace . It’s extremely complicated I understand but to just say fake news and it’s all the media biased may and if a border gets implemented WILL resort to violence in Northern Ireland . I really for our sakes hope it doesn’t resort to that .

[@Bob-me8md]

Coeus 2.0 I think your hate for this man is clouding your judgement in regards to this . The analogy you used for policemen and peeing is ridiculous . You are talking about people’s lives here on the border but I honestly don’t think you care about the north at all . And I thought why you wanted to leave the EU was because you wanted to Take back control and control your borders ... but you don’t want to put up a border in the ONE place that is connected to the eu and where it would be needed to take back that control . Explain to me the logic behind that and now tell me how much research you have done on it ...

[@lfcgero35]

@@Bob-me8md i am so glad you answered him in the way you did as my patience is wearing thin. Has history taught some people nothing.

[@davidwalters4906]

@Coeus 2.0 my.god.what.are.you.on.lad.a.war.is.that.what.you.like.you.no.f.all.a Bout.ireland.last.time.god.bad.this.time.god.hope.not.and.not.just. Ireland.its.ok.for.the.likes.of People.like.you..but.you.no.f.all.a The.war.in.ireland.and.two.say. What.you.thing..sad.very.but.agen Thats.why.paddys.do.not.like.the English.not.all.some.good.but. There.is.a.lot.the.wons.that.are.all Wise.right.hey😉😋😁

[@BatTaz19]

Simple solution, end the British occupation of Ireland. Then Brexit to your heart's content.

[@Fordnan]

Farage was wringing his hands over the prospect of this on his radio show yesterday. Te reunification of Ireland would be the silver lining to the Brexit cloud, and if it happens, I vow to shake Farage’s hand and thank him for bringing it about.

[@vercoda9997]

One wonders what you'd do with the half a million of our Northern brothers and sisters who regard themselves as British. I assume you'd drive the cattle trucks to bring them to the ferries, eh?

[@frolicwitme]

@@vercoda9997 Or they could make their own way there

[@Bob-me8md]

100%

[@aughalough1]

@John Small, you are talking like drumpf now and we all know how much he's loved around the world ... He allowed people to express their racism and bigotry in a way that they haven’t been able to in quite a while and they really love him for that. It’s a shocking thing to realise people love their hatred more than they care about their own actual lives.

[@bismarkumbili8826]

UK boder cargo entries queues are longer.. now add no deal Brexit... 1.time wastage 2.customs charges 3.No EU market 4.northern Irish boder politics 5.Scotland independence things will not be that easy for UK as somebody wants others to believe. What UK supplies EU can be easily sourced from another country within the EU.. the only thing the UK has monopoly of is Dull weather anything else can be found everywhere else

[@desgroarke1932]

You don't even have a monopoly on dull weather, we also have it in Ireland.

[@laurejon]

The UK US Alliance will bring some normality to their European Operations and a firmer control of Brussels going forward. The EU was setup to be the puppet of the US, its time to start pulling those strings again.

[@astralxing988]

@@L B And you imbeciles blame EU for that then complain when people call you idiots and so .

[@aughalough1]

@@desgroarke1932, no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing !

[@thomaspaine2243]

@Static Method So which rathole do you call home? If you are anything to go by, it is a land of moronic liars

[@AnthonyD-yy2in]

It's time to unite Ireland!

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

No, that time comes if and only if the people of Northern Ireland express such a desire at the ballot box. The Good Friday Agreement explicitly recognises that until this happens it is the will of the Northern Irish people to remain part of the UK.

[@sophiatonia4070]

@@thegrandmuftiofwakanda ohh really? How are you? Do you mind if I have your phone number

[@sophiatonia4070]

Yeah it's time, hi how are you

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

Sophia Tonia, Nah you're alright. I only like fit, pretty, charming and intelligent girls.

[@sophiatonia4070]

@@thegrandmuftiofwakanda yes I am , do you mind if have your number so we can text each other and get to know about each other share pictures too

[@aneesshaik5556]

There it is, the most expert of experts. Why wasn’t he interviewed so long ago I have no idea. If he says there is no alternative to a hard border and therefore a violation of the Good Friday agreement, I am sure gonna believe him. Please some brexiteers attempt to label this project fear, pleeeeeeese!! I’m havejnv a bad day, need some entertainment

[@taintabird23]

He knows stuff. Brexit is about feelings, not knowledge.

[@Symmetry77]

You have the most reckless man dealing the most delicate issue... recipe for disaster

[@katakisLives]

He needs to go sooner rather than later.

[@carpediem3391]

symmetry but Corbyn isn't dealing with this

[@dgnash]

Who are you talking about?

[@andipandi5641]

politics is usually the most erudite salesman in a role that s/he has no particular skill or experience in.. boris is just an especially magical salesman - but yet to prove that he has any real ability to take any real responsibility for anything else..

[@dgnash]

@@andipandi5641 Yes, he'll only get my vote if he gives us a clean break from the EU.

[@deceptivepanther]

You signed a peace treaty and now you are breaking your word. Nevertheless Ireland will be the new scapegoat. Shame.

[@asanulsterman1025]

Actually it is the Irish & EU who are contravening the peace treaty you refer to. Shame on them.

[@fatfat1877]

Nothing has been broken. For all you know Boris will simply refuse to put up a border if no deal happens which im pretty sure the UK has already said. Its The Irish PM who has said he would break the GFA not the UK.

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

Show me what specific part of the Good Friday Agreement compels the UK to remain in the European Union you hysterical indoctrinated little spastic. It's not a long document, only 35 pages, so if it's there you should find it.

[@davidwalters4906]

@@asanulsterman1025 my.god.is.that.a.joke.lad.what.are.you.onl..its.you.the.english.that. Made.all.this.agen.me.me..you.are Never.happy.thats.why.a.hell.of.a Lot.of.people.do.not.like.the English.sad.but.life.and.you.bring.it On.😉

[@cros13]

@@fatfat1877 Then he has to drop all customs checks on goods from all 165 WTO members under most favored nation rules. Or get sanctioned or kicked out of the WTO.

[@gkelly34]

Give the people of Northern Ireland a vote on whether to accept the NI only backstop which is what Europe offered in the first place until the lunatic DUP stepped in. Either that or Brexit will not happen

[@stephenconway2468]

Interesting option.

[@miamulcahy8290]

@@stephenconway2468 I have been spreading the word on this option also. Please join us. It is the only fair solution when you think rationally about it. The DUP would look like facists if they colapsed a government over this option

[@stephenconway2468]

@@miamulcahy8290 Normally I would avoid such a contentious issue in NI as peace is fragile. I think however it makes sense to consider this as the peace is under stress anyway. I am not in favor of anything that risks peace bu the risk is here already thanks to the careless handling by Cameron and the like.

[@NicholasWarnertheFirst]

Yes. Someone who understands at last.

[@elhijodelsol5064]

British democracy is something out of this world, a man with arguable cognitive abilities and who only a few voted for , is leading a process of extreme importance for millions of Britons. Recipe for disaster.

[@sanguinespirit2397]

@Static Method Excatly. Those retards still have a monarch that has no actual power and only serves as a lucrative income source though tourism! How stupid! Why don't they abolish this institution, which has no power and actually brings in more money than it uses. God.

[@alexl5949]

Sanguine Spirit, I hate to burst this bubble and all but the crown has quite a lot of power

[@kethughes8266]

El hijo del sol Eu democracy led by a president who very few voted for [hundreds] as was the German chancellor and many other democracies throughout the world rather than out of this world.

[@kethughes8266]

Static Method There are 12 countries in Europe with monarchs 7 of which are in the EU including the home of the EU Belgium.Do some research.

[@thomaspaine2243]

@Static Method A bit of research would show you that all the most progressive states in the world are constitutional monarchies. In England the last king to challenge parliament's supremacy was executed over 350 years ago . . has your rathole caught up yet?

[@Gillemear]

This is crazy reading the comments about how clear and reasonable Mr Powell is. Guys, we in Ireland have been yelling this stuff at the top of our lungs for years. Does it really take a Brit to explain it to you before you will actually listen??

[@stephenconway2468]

Major and Blair have said the same too.....

[@gruntymchunchy1527]

Eh, is your question rhetorical?

[@Gillemear]

@@gruntymchunchy1527 Yes it is as the people who need to listen are the politicians in power. It is very unlikely any of them will even read this tread

[@gregbrogan9061]

Keep Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland in the EU and put the border between England and Scotland!

[@NicholasWarnertheFirst]

"Take back Control" they cried. "but not on the only land border between two distinct trading blocs"

[@miamulcahy8290]

The disputed region that was embroiled in sectarian conflict that was finally healing wounds of murder torture and hatred on both sides was not even considered in the vote - The voters to the north certainty stated an opinion. Why dont they ask them what the want to do? The DUP dont speak for the majority. Going by the british media you'd swear they did.

[@miamulcahy8290]

@James Berry www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-northern-ireland-49212732 The majority of NI would take an NI backstop. Technically yes a UK wide decision but the only reason you cant come to accepting a rational and fair solution is because you precieve it as a victory for nationists, your enemy and you cant stomach it can you.

[@andressanchezcasado4433]

EU is a peace project

[@MrDaveyboy22]

LOL

[@gloin10]

@@MrDaveyboy22 That is because you are, sadly, a very ignorant person.

[@stephenconway2468]

Well said. What can be pointed to is how the EU helped all the ex Warsaw Pact countries gradually take on democracy and strengthen their economies. It did the same for Spain and Portugal it should be remembered. 22 of the EU countries are in NATO and that is the power that stopped war, while the EU gave the opportunity for democracy and peace across the continent.

[@nialllawlor]

Indeed , and 1000's of Canadian American and Anzac troops and others from outside died to get that peace started ...we are watching these vile Empirical Torys

[@SonicPhonic]

Don't forget the influence of Russia/Putin in the Brexit vote and Putin's undermining democracies in the USA, France, Germany, the Baltics, the Ukraine, and Hungary...

[@grantbeerling4396]

Wow, clear and concise.....consequences that many want to ignore, but those in Ireland/NI will pay the price for. The reality is that the Agreement was agreed within the EU, nobody foresaw the potential of the UK leaving, thus no provision for this. Nobody's fault, but that is where we are at. A referendum on both sides of the divide as given as an option in the GFA at to whether to unite and leave the United Kingdom, if agreed then issue solved, or Full Customs Union Brexit, or Remain. No deal is not an option, even though legally it could be done at present ( Oct 31st). But do we want a return to 'the troubles'?

[@eamonnsiocain6454]

You need to ask why comprising the Good Friday Agreement is wrong? Perhaps the Brits deserve the misery they bring upon themselves, sadly.

[@aritakalo8011]

Because breaching said Peace Treaty would lead to civil war and civil wars are a pretty nasty thing to have happen.

[@meganthomas4768]

I’m British(welsh) and as much I believe in democracy, I care too deeply about all those who class themselves as British from London all the way to The Falkland Islands to not have second thoughts about Brexit. We don’t all encourage the recklessness of Boris.

[@Jimmie16]

What doesn't she understand it's not an UK decision it's the EU who will decide about the border.

[@miamulcahy8290]

Did you not get the arguement, world order decides, the WTO decides, the differentiation between trading blocks decide.

[@harsanders7425]

There is a massive hole in the Brexiteers argument. The ERG claim to have solutions, if they proposed them and they clearly work, the backstop would be dropped. So if that’s all they want, propose them. It’s almost like the backstop is a scape goat....

[@harsanders7425]

Coeus 2.0 it’s our border just as much as there’s. ‘No Hard Border’ because we won’t put one one up argument directly contradicts the idea of taking back control.

[@valentintapata2268]

@Coeus 2.0 EU and UK are equally obliged to put up a border by WTO (if there is the end of single market). It's that so hard to grasp?

[@harsanders7425]

Valentin Tapata by arguing with facts you’ll be called a remoaner/traitor. We should leave the EU; but to suggest without an agreement doesn’t deliver on referendum promises and poses so many risks.

[@valentintapata2268]

@@harsanders7425 I'm not British. Why should you? The referendum was violated and under British law it is not mandatory for the parliament to follow it. Beside at least half of the country, and probably more doesn't want to. But, honestly, perhaps in the long run it would be better for the EU if you did.

[@harsanders7425]

Coeus 2.0 you appeared to ignore me asking for examples of your none hard borders. Nobody will possibly force anyone to erect a hard border, but not having one would surely betray the result in your eyes? Are you advocating anything coming from the EU, whether it be people or goods, to not be checked?

[@glenstevenson9274]

They are not going to give the back stop up end of story

[@samhartford5889]

The letter of the Good Friday Agreement says: Welcoming the strong commitment to the Agreement reached on 10th April 1998 by themselves and other participants in the multi-party talks and set out in Annex 1 to this Agreement (hereinafter "the Multi-Party Agreement"); ... Wishing to develop still further the unique relationship between their peoples and the close co-operation between their countries as friendly neighbours and AS PARTNERS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION;" So what does PM Johnson mean that he's not disrespecting the GFA? That he stays a part of the European Union???

[@1chish]

It was the British electorate that decided to leave the EU. It has that right and the Prime Minister is honouring that decision. You are deliberately and pathetically misinterpreting those words you placed in capitals. It was as then CURRENT partners. It was not and neither could it be a future commitment. And by the way - the EU was only added AFTER the agreement was signed as an Observer. It was not a signatory to the agreement. So it has no dog in the fight other than that it has imposed itself for political reasons into the Irish situation. Sadly the Irish PM has allowed this non State to dictate Irish Foreign Policy. That is what you do when you are subjugated by the EU. Their loss. Nice try but your effort wasn't good enough.

[@ULYSSES-31]

@@1chish We're still waiting for you to leave but you can't because both Brexit and Northern Ireland are mistakes created by English governments. Karma's a bitch.

[@1chish]

@@ULYSSES-31 Blimey! I never knew England had a separate Government.

[@ULYSSES-31]

@@1chish lol Your governments have been led by English centric parties with English agendas and Brexit is wholly an English project. Hence why half of Scotland wants to secede and a majority, like NI, wish to remain in the EU while Wales teeters around the middle. Good luck little subjects. Should be a laugh when the 'union' no longer lives up to the word.

[@ULYSSES-31]

@James Berry Never claimed or said there was such thing as an 'English parliament', Jimbo. Does the UK education system still cover literacy these days?

[@hayleys1260]

Is the presenter here genuinely less informed on the history and current situation than I, as a casual Canadian observer am? Or is she faking ignorance for some reason I don't understand? The interviewee was excellent in answering thoroughly but briefly and calmly and really I think, sometimes humoring her.

[@95winston]

Well done finally someone that talks sense and understands …………. As a person that has many relatives and friends both in the south and north of Ireland

[@markandcathynickerson1287]

The difference between rational realistic thought and looney thinking. Boris is a looney.

[@markandcathynickerson1287]

James Berry has no personality.

[@markandcathynickerson1287]

James Berry is deaf to intelligent thought. That is why he doesn't hear an echo.

[@eoliver437]

Brexiteers destroyed here, literally eviscerated.

[@nestrior7733]

I honestly feel bad for the host because she had to represent the standpoint of the hardline brexiteers that is complete and utter lunacy as anyone watching this should understand.

[@DonalLeader]

This has to be the clearest and most compelling explanation yet of the impossibility of achieving a form of Brexit that does not include NI remaining within the EU customs union and single market. The only way that England (and maybe Wales) achieving a complete exit from EU institutions is have Scotland and Northern Ireland remain within the customs union. There is no other way to this 'pure form' of Brexit for those who desire it.

[@workingchap]

Its bizarre, can it be a coincidence that Catch 22 is running on TV currently? No deal means a hard border, the backstop was suggested to avoid a hard border, now the backstop looks like causing a hard border. The obstacle seems to be that protection of the single market is the EU overriding concern, meaning trade is being put above the peace and security of the people of Ireland, north and south. I'd suggest anyone interested reads the Belfast (commonly referred to as Good Friday) Agreement. It barely mentions trade, from my reading its primary purpose is to support Irish identity and, quite rightly in my mind, the right to self determination. We then drop back to catch 22 that something designed to protect self-determination is now being used to block the self-determination of the UK as a whole. It could only be politicians, on both sides, that have brought us to such a sorry mess.

[@mum2jka]

"now the backstop looks like causing a hard border" How do you come to that conclusion? The backstop is there to prevent a hard border until a trade agreement can be put in place. "protection of the single market is the EU overriding concern meaning trade is being put above the peace and security of the people of Ireland, north and south" If that's what you got from this segment then you've completely missed the issues regarding the GFA and Brexit and the island of Ireland. "It could only be politicians, on both sides, that have brought us to such a sorry mess." Or, it's those who voted leave dismissing Northern Ireland altogether, or the media who didn't do the research necessary to explain Northern Ireland to the British people properly (not that I think it would've made much difference), or Nigel Farage who continually ignores Northern Ireland completely! Or is it those so-called 'experts' who have repeatedly stated 'there does not need to be a hard border between NI and ROI with a no deal'...

[@BDaMonkey]

Did you watch the video? And are you from NI? Because honestly, that post makes me think it's neither.

[@cros13]

It doesn't mention trade because that was assumed to be resolved by the single market. It didn't occur to anyone that the UK would do something so stupid.

[@workingchap]

OK, my bad, my post is obviously unclear. For clarity, I'm not a Brexiteer headbanger, I would have preferred remain and fight for major reform but that isn't what the UK voted for and whether I agree with an outcome or not, I do respect democracy. My point is we have politicians on BOTH SIDES who say they want (eminently sensibly) to avoid a hard border and are now seemingly incapable of swallowing their own egos in order to make sure we don't end up with one. The inability of both sides to sort out at how this can be achieved within the framework that exists rather than starting from scratch is staggering, then add in macho posturing in a game of chicken that risks both sides getting badly damaged (for that read all us citizens getting a rough ride for a several years as economies re-balance) in the event of a no deal Brexit and it just gets worse. The perversity is this posturing only increases the likelihood of a no deal Brexit which will by default, end up creating the very thing politicians have stressed they want to avoid. It's bonkers. For me the answer is blindingly simple, insert an Article 50 type clause into the backstop, a unilateral 2 year notice to quit which if good enough for exiting the EU should meet the needs of an insurance policy designed never to be used, this would kill off the 'no sovereign country would ever sign-up to such a treaty' arguments (all EU members have in effect, as did the UK) and with a 2 year notice period would, if the people of NI so wished, give time for a united Ireland referendum to be held within that 2 year period. Alternatively, my preference is the UK goes for EEA (EFTA leg) which would arguably be a reasonable fit for the roughly 50/50 pro/anti-EU views across the UK, ie, no babies get lost with any bathwater but then, I'm not a politician, nor extreme just looking for a pragmatic way way out of the increasingly messy situation we are in.

[@cros13]

@@workingchap It's not a "both sides" thing. The UK is making impossible demands and then whining that we won't "compromise" on what are vital national interests. The withdrawal agreement is a compromise within the boundaries of the red lines the UK insisted upon.

[@bushranger655]

Johnathan Powell knows what he’s talking about. If only there were more people of his calibre in public office instead of the current crop of ignorant, self serving buffoons 😂

[@bushranger655]

James Berry Johnathan Powell knows what he’s talking about. If you can understand that then we’re making progress 😉

[@bushranger655]

James Berry you’re the spin merchant here Jim. Johnathan Powell was a diplomat and chief British negotiator on Northern Ireland who made an enormous contribution to bringing peace to the Island of Ireland. Credit should be given where it’s due even if you disagree with his politics

[@bushranger655]

James Berry all good Jim. Thanks for asking 😉 but is it democratic that 0.2% of the British population put Johnson in No. 10?

[@SirAntoniousBlock]

Who would have thought that the peace treaty would stop Britain leaving the EU 20 years later. The UK can't leave the EU while it still occupies part of a country that is part of the EU this is the bottom line.

[@charlesjaja-sackey2695]

The problem with Brexit is that people keep looking at it like a “win-win” or “win-lose” situation. No. Brexit is a negative-sum game: it is a “Lose-Lose” situation, therefore what is happening; as you’d expect, is that both parties would aim at limiting their losses. Thing is: the EU has recognised this much faster than the UK. For the EU: they’ll lose a key member state; For the UK: they’ll lose leverage over EU policy-making. The issue is, the UK has all of a sudden realised it’s unfortunately the party that stands to lose more, so it’s attempting to mitigate that by ensuring it won’t be affected by the EU (remember that the UK had intended to give full effect to the acquis via the Withdrawal Bill).

[@Jellygamer0]

Finally statistics and not rhetoric in the comments :)

[@mana6969]

Just let Northern Ireland join Republic of Ireland.

[@BDaMonkey]

Brexit at all costs eh?

[@bijimon7850]

@@BDaMonkey yes we don't want to be in the eu.

[@miamulcahy8290]

Its much simplier, let them stay in the single market if the vote to do so. Its more realistic and rational

[@roberttherrien352]

This interviewer is a bit...lightweight.

[@bushranger655]

Wow it’s taken 3 years for Emily Maitlis before the penny finally drops! The issue wasn’t even on the radar during the Brexit referendum in 2016. It’s only now, after 3 years, that some people are waking up to reality. The majority in NI voted remain and are happy with the status quo. NI remaining in the SM & CU whilst also remaining in the UK, means the people will have the best of both worlds. I’m sure the Scots would be thrilled with such a deal but not the DUP who do not represent the majority in NI but do hold the balance of power in WM. If TM hadn’t foolishly gambled away her majority, Britain would have brexited by now and NI would have remained in the SM & CU

[@davidfreeman3083]

That's the problem with WM though I feel. They never realize that others, even those who're technically 'in the same country' or 'under their jurisdiction', should not be expected to voluntarily pay for the prices. Their voices, situations and concerns should be taken into account, instead of just to be ignored and overruled. Same thing can be said for the entire span when the UK is in the EU though. I saw it from another place that during the same period, London grew double digit, while other major cities in England has only grown a single digit, or even negatively. One of the reasons for that is London's industries (mainly finance, accompanied by others such as med-ed and technology) benefited a lot from being an 'International city', an important part of which is that it's almost the 'financial and economical capital of the EU', while a lot of other great cities, like Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, etc. didn't really benefit that much.

[@aerial_camera_video_imaging]

For the record, it is a BRITISH backstop!

[@Kraken54321]

For the record it's not, Leo will have to implement the back stop when the UK leaves, therefore it's an Irish back stop. 👍

[@kjamison5951]

If the referendum on Brexit had been decided between the four nations of the United Kingdom, we would have remained. Scotland, Wales and NI all saw the strength of unity with the EU. 75% for. But taking the individual votes of everyone eligible to vote, meant that it was decided on a very slim majority, 51.9%. Had people not been confused by what was true and what was false, had the Russians not interfered to sway the vote to destabilise the EU, the decision to remain would have been clear.

[@sausagejockyGaming]

MatchstalkMan hahahahah what???? You think 5 million people votes should he equal to 55 million?? Are you fucking stupid?

[@samuelolaogun9044]

The message is clear and British need to choose which one they want because whatever they choose have consequence, a. Border at Irish sea, b, hard border between north and south c, soft Brexit like Norway d, no Brexit. Time started now and finished @ 31st October 2019.

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

Both are a violation of the Good Friday Agreement and as such are not going to happen, so hard cheese you hysterical indoctrinated little spastic.

[@thegrandmuftiofwakanda]

Shane kelly, You are talking complete shite and parroting blindly the long since debunked pro-EU propaganda line. The WTO make no compulsions whatsoever on borders and border infrastructure, just tariffs and quotas. It has kong since been confirmed by WTO officials that there is absolutely nothing in their rules that would compel a physical border in Ireland : www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/wto-says-its-rules-would-not-force-eu-or-uk-to-erect-hard-irish-border-1.3710136?mode=amp To suggest that border will not remain open between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is a nee level of spastication. They all constituent entities within the United Kingdoms. Facts are remoaner kryptonine.

[@hyneklos]

guys. i hope this tv show gets another season. Exciting.

[@harrywissink842]

BJ or whatever his name is .. Is the best C-film actor there is

[@kevinhegarty1768]

this interviewer needs to listen to the song ZOMBIE by the Cranberries, she just quoted part of it "guns and bombs"

[@MARTINA-gc3tq]

The Belfast Agreement {aka GFA} states that "the development of a peaceful environment... can and should mean a normalisation of security arrangements and practices." The government committed to "as early a return as possible to normal security arrangements in Northern Ireland, consistent with the level of threat". That included "the removal of security installations". That is as far as the text goes. The words "Hard Boarder" does not appear in the agreement. Normalisation means removal of military fortress structures...

[@taintabird23]

The words "Hard Boarder" does not appear in the agreement. I should think not, those who wrote it knew how to spell. In any case, as the GFA is based on the premise that both the UK and Ireland are in the EU, why would it?

[@Gillemear]

As one video on KZbin (by CGP Grey) once put it: The UK have three options- Maximum Brexit, No Border in Ireland, No Border inside the UK. Three options but can only pick two. Of course the Irish would prefer the no border options.

[@Sarcastix7]

We'd prefer a border in the Irish Sea.

[@Gillemear]

@@Sarcastix7 My sideways point was, we would prefer no Brexit altogether

[@ScottishRoss27]

Let scotland go in a better so called 'backstop' along with Northern Ireland, avoiding brittishgov imposing a border on the island , have it here instead shared between scotgov and ukgov . atleast no threat of trouble

[@ScottishRoss27]

@Anthony Burke I was gony say shoot me down but pardon the pun

[@ScottishRoss27]

@Anthony Burke Funnily enough i got handed a Northern Irish £5 note yesterday! Very rare for over here! Im keeping it😂 actualy a bank based in Scotland own's ulster bank and has the right to print notes on the island

[@ScottishRoss27]

@Anthony Burke Fecking eegit!

[@ScottishRoss27]

Only 6 main roads between scotland and britian. Ours is 96miles long. Theres 275 crossings over there and its 310miles long

[@oliverwraith]

I see we are simply bereft of thought now, same questions, same answers

[@LazyJack2003]

Wow, so there ARE indeed people who see the real problem!

[@louisanna30]

Very well explained.

[@hopeforbetter382]

Thank you! Preserve peace!

[@conormckenna]

It is very dispiriting that a presenter on the BBC's flagship current affairs programme shows such obvious ignorance of the issue here. Well done Jonathan Powell for his clear explanation of the matter. It makes me think that if Newsnight shows such ignorance of the issue, how can the British public be properly informed. I generally like Newsnight, but it seems to me that the only presenter who understands the border issue is Kirsty Wark. Evan Davies, who was a good presenter, also had a blind spot on this point. The reality is that very few people in Britain know their own history when it comes to Ireland. Unfortunately it is frequently the case that big countries forget, or are not interested in, their history vis a vis small countries. The attitude of some elements of the British media towards the Irish position is also rooted in this ignorance.

[@FarFromZero]

There is one big upside about Brexit. British people are forced to inform themselfes about how deep their country is integrated in global structures now. Not just European structures, but global structures. Today most people have an idea about what it means, Brexit or Remain. 3 years ago that was mostly not the case. Even with all this knowledge gained you can still be a Brexiteer. However, to be a person supporting a Hard Brexit means you passed the last 3 years blindfolded - or you are, sorry for that, an idiot. Listen to that guy. He was the British chief negotiator in Northern Ireland, therefore he really knows what he is talking about. Can you tell me a single reason why you believe persons like Mr. Johnson or Mr. Farage when they talk about this matter, and not Jonathan Powell? If your belly needs a surgery, who would you ask? A reputable surgeon - or Boris Johnson? So, if you prefer to save your own life, why you don't prefer to save the welfare of your own country too? I can't resist to give the answer to that one. Coz (Hard-)Brexiteers are in permanent delusion about the future of their country after a Hard Brexit. Delusions created by the puppets of the ERG, like Farage and Johnson. They give a sh.. on Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, even on England and the British people. Their only goal is to make London a "Greater Monaco" and to fill their greedy and never-ever-filled pockets. Wake up, Brits! Get back to reality! Stay in the EU and make things better in Europe, not worse.

[@terryshinneman650]

This is what i do not understand about having hard borders.When you purchase goods do you not inspect what you are paying for if it is about the goods them self pass law or put a institution to handle these affairs.There is not going to be a shortage these are scare tactics anyone you trade with inspects goods received

[@DCI-Frank-Burnside]

I'm a dim bulb. For months I thought the backstop was an actual physical construct.

[@Jellygamer0]

Welp, I hope you know now :)

[@jamesrichards3183]

england needed a backstop to prevent steve smith from scoring so many runs for australia i today's first cricket test.

[@sophiatonia4070]

Yeah they do need it , hi James how are you?

[@jamesrichards3183]

thank you, i'm fine, i hope you are too.

[@aadrianlee]

No back Door Deals. Leave means Leave. We can sought ought some deals after we have left. plane and simple. NO DEAL ( ;

[@aaronmarygreenwood2868]

a welcome and concise explanation without the usual remain or leave rhetoric despite bbc bias.

[@Prometheus4096]

So was the journalist fired after this?

[@dricard953]

Well done Jonathan! They should of had you on here right at the beginning of this mess. What a clear thinking, rational explanation of the situation. Politicians making promises that cannot be kept or with consequences that they wont acknowledge (publicly!)

[@madmartinline6]

Is this the same Jonathan Powell who was Tony Blair's chief advisor ? The same guy who suggested that the Iraq dossier on Weapons of Mass Destruction should be beefed up a bit just to make sure we joined the USA in the illegal war against Iraq ? Yes, a very wise man indeed. Just not sure how he sleeps at night though !

[@dricard953]

@@madmartinline6 I didn't know any of that. I don't usually do a background checks on everyone I see on youtube talking sense on a particular issue. I'd be here all bloody day! But well done you! Your insights might actually be seen by people through posting it on the general comment section rather than a reply to my (still) perfectly valid point!

[@dixonpinfold2582]

She reached for a somewhat learned, somewhat showy word---'phlegmatic'---and misused it. She was looking for sanguine.

[@streamsofconsciousness8651]

The UK government, the Irish government, the EU have all said they will not build a physical border. If this guy insists there has to be one then he must tell us who is going to build it.

[@streamsofconsciousness8651]

caty moonlight which WTO rule requires a physical border?

[@streamsofconsciousness8651]

caty moonlight no WTO rule requires a hard border. The worst that could happen would be some other countries whining about “it’s not fair”. Neither the WTO nor any third country has the authority to demand a hard border. The WTO has no enforcement powers and has made it clear over and over again that they would not intervene.

[@geralldus]

Refreshingly frank and well informed!

[@macvena]

The United States and Canada had a soft border for ages, until 9/11. Now it's a hard border, but there is no violence, no identity issue, no acrimony, no problem. I do not dismiss this matter one iota. I recognize and respect the legitimate concerns. I'm convince no one wishes to see any pain to come to the Irish on either side. This will take a hell of a lot of guts to accomplish in a mutually agreeable way, but I'm supremely confident that the Irish and the British governments can work together to ensure peace and prosperity. They don't need to be tethered to Brussels or Berlin like a bloody pet, in order to act responsibly, and in their own interests.

[@tomofthetomb]

USA and Canada dont have anywhere near the same history as NI and the Republic

[@rosscobosco]

Spot on

[@GH-oi2jf]

After the December 2019 election, the government is no longer beholden to the DUP. The DUP won’t like it, but they will have to go through a border check to enter Great Britain. For UK citizens, it should be made as easy as possible to move back and forth. Between NI and the RoI, things should just remain as they are today.

[@moow950]

Just unite Ireland 🇮🇪

[@yermanoffthetelly]

@@karstentopp ...in our hatred for British imperialism in Ireland. Always finish your sentences like a good chap.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Who are these people? Get what “institutions up and running again,” as he says early on? When there is no background it is a chore to figure out.

[@johnrawlins6147]

Whatever, we don't WANT any deal

[@dgnash]

After you build your house you learn to live with its quirks and faults. Same with Brexit. We've decided to take this route and we'll adapt and learn to live with it.

[@raybo64]

There are NOOOOOOOO checkpoints now. See 3 minutes 40 seconds of this video.

[@tomofthetomb]

We've not left the EU let...

[@gr8guy665]

Please BBC stand with people of Ireland in availing freedom from Britain

[@nossac1]

If BREXIT is based on Nationalist identity and birthright issues, why is it so difficult for Brexiteers, to understand identity issues in other countries, or do they believe that they alone are entitled to define and claim their identity through their nationality and sovereignty?

[@kierangreene6714]

A reunited Ireland is the solution. End the partition of Ireland. Greater England { England Scotland and Wales } can then have its Brexit. Northern Ireland is coming to its end anyway with massive demographic change that will bring about unification within 10 years.

[@naomim4631]

Kieran Greene yes yes yes yes!

[@aritakalo8011]

"BUt but that means we have to be in EU to maintain the Good Friday Agreement." That is known as prior obligations matter. Just because technically being allowed to do something by EU Treaty doesn't mean other obligations don't limit UK's freedom to leave EU. In this case the Good Friday Agreement. Hard truth is UK at mimimum must stay in EEA and EU Customs Union to maintain Good Friday Agreement. It is that or breaking a peace treaty. UK's choice. which is it. Limit their actions or break a Treaty.

[@jamesrichards3183]

because de oirish wicket keepurr is not dat good & gives aweigh too meny rons.

[@chriscocks3670]

It won't be the first political agreement Britain has torn up.

[@MrJohnybirchall]

Look at the republic of Ireland legalising abortion, which I totally agree with . Before the vote, Northern Ireland was not in align with the rest of the UK because, on both sides, we didn't want to have a different policy on abortion on Northern Ireland and the republic, on the principle of harmony of laws and regulation between the borders. the only reason to mention this is that its complicated.

[@gezley100]

She can't even get UUP leader Robin Swann's name right.

[@helenooft9664]

I am really sory for the Irish People, but the Good Vryday agreement was only possible because England was in the Single market, it is England self hoe made this problem end have to solved this. They now that they good not make this agreement, nowing that the boarders where gone because of the single market, and that has brought pease to Ireland and N-Ireland. The EU give them 2 years time, to solved this problem, and of course EU has to protect the single market from Ireland to England, because without the single market prices wil be higher and without a border it can come to England what is Leaving out of the Unie. Its England self hoe made the problem, in the referendum Politicians had to made clear what will happend if that is comming. London has to made his own responsebility, they have to 2 years time to think how to have to solved it, and if they can not solved the problem they have to take the no deal brexit with the border. But dont blame the EU, when the fauls is in England self.

[@foppo100]

About time somebody talks with expertise and intelligence what could happen if a hard border came back to Ireland.It took ten years to negotiate this agreement.I wonder how long it will take to destroy something what has been working.The Tories have never been neutral when it comes to the D.U.P. It is their prop a costly one .

[@Loostyc]

Isn't what he says obvious?

[@kevt3318]

The GFA states no hard border cab be put up. End of argument.

[@josefinenilsson8059]

Getting rid of the border only became possible when UK joined the single market and customs union. Leaving the single market and customs union automatically recreates the border. The backstop was the UK governments idea to solve the problem and no alternative has been presented. Unicorn technology doesn't count. End of argument.

[@kevt3318]

@@josefinenilsson8059 if Ireland or the EU wants to break the GFA that's their choice. End of argument.

[@riturajsingh4581]

India-Pakistan, Israel-Palestine , Ireland-Northern Ireland, Un-united Kingdom no-one will shed a tear HAHAa

[@ralfrath699]

This is the End of Brexit! A Deal-Brexit would mean May´s Brexit plan A or B and Britain has lost the war - so you have only one option a No-Deal Brexit or if not then better No-Brexit! A No-Brexit would cost Britain nothing and there is no risk that British People have to pay the price for the next 500 years!

[@ralfrath699]

@@karstentopp Hello Karsten - you should tell here the British people the truth! Berlin was won by Stalin´s USSR - Britain´s disaster ally! The Somme was lost - or do you think after these huge losses Britain had won a war or world war one? And do you have forgotten Dunkirk disaster where Britain was defeated by NAzi Germany? No to mention here Galipoly disaster where a handful and few poor Turks defeated Britain.

[@ralfrath699]

@@karstentopp But Karsten the Empire is history after the war with Germany. I agree with you the Empire was the best ever! The Empire never lose a war except the war with Germany. Germany was superior. I only remember that Germany had destroyed the Roman Empire too. So there is no shame that the Empire had lost a war to Germany and does not exist today.

[@keithkeegan9776]

Dis man in 6 mins made me understand the back stop Dan all the politicians in 3 years

[@taintabird23]

That's because he understands it and he wants you to understand it too. Does it make sense to you, as a matter of interest?

[@keithkeegan9776]

@@taintabird23 yes

[@claudiosaltara8847]

What a kettle of fish.