The Technological Solution to the Irish Border Customs issue

The supposed “problem” of the post-Brexit border between the UK and Ireland has become a much-debated topic. It is alleged that, unless the UK (or at least Northern Ireland) remains within the EU customs union or, as sometimes claimed, inside the single market, the resulting bureaucracy will lead to massive tailbacks at the UK/Irish border while paperwork is checked, and that this will lead to a breakdown of the better community relations of recent years and even a return to terrorism.

This paper explains why these assumptions are not only unfounded, but grossly exaggerated. It explains the issues involved, sets out some practical measures which have the endorsement of leading authorities in the field and outlines a proposal for how UK/Irish trade could be conducted after Brexit to achieve a frictionless border.

David’s solution to the HS2 Debate – the HSNet Alternative

Cover of HSNet not HS2 paperLocal MEP David Campbell Bannerman has made a major contribution to the HS2 debate arguing for high speed trains to go up an improved East Coast Main Line through Peterborough instead of via Birmingham.

He said: “The Government is absolutely right to pursue visionary plans for a high speed rail network – I worked personally on Britain’s first high speed network. But if current HS2 plans go ahead our nearest fast trains will be in York and London. The current route is not good news for the economy of the East of England. We’ll be bypassed. We need to ensure we too enjoy the benefits of high speed rail.”

David explained that the paper related to constituency concerns he had  previously expressed, is not party political and is nothing to do with the current elections.

The paper is available to download as a pdf here.Image of spread