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 Campbell Bannerman MEP gives oral evidence to the Exiting the EU Committee

UK Parliament – Exiting the European Union Committee (House of Commons): On 21 March 2018, the Joint-Spokesman on International Trade for the Conservatives in the European Parliament, David Campbell Bannerman MEP was invited to give oral evidence to UK MPs on the Exiting the EU Committee in the House of Commons on ‘The progress of the UK’s negotiations on EU withdrawal’. He spoke specifically on the subject of his ‘SuperCanada‘ and Irish border policy paper proposals to a full contingent of the Committee’s MPs across six political parties, including the Conservative Party, Labour, Liberal Democrats, SNP, DUP, and Plaid Cymru.

You can also download a transcript of the Q&A evidence (pdf) by clicking here.

Brexit: Jean-Claude Juncker says UK will ‘regret’ decision

13.3.18

bbc.co.uk/news

The UK will come to “regret” the decision to leave the EU, European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker has warned.

Addressing the European Parliament, Mr Juncker was cheered by Eurosceptic MEPs as he noted the UK’s departure was due on 29 March, 2019.

In response he said the time would come “when you will regret your decision”.

MEPs’ Brexit representative, Guy Verhofstadt, said the UK had to move beyond the “slogans and soundbites”.

But he said that the UK and EU were “very near” to an agreement on citizens’ rights post Brexit.

Read the article in full and David’s comments here.

A Firm Solution to the Hard Border

An independent thinkpiece by David Campbell Bannerman MEP

Background

How UK/Irish trade could be conducted after Brexit to achieve a friction-free border

An independent thinkpiece by David Campbell Bannerman MEP

The “problem” of the border between the UK and Ireland after Brexit 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, sometimes, 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.

This note explains why these allegations are unfounded. 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 friction-free border.

Download the full document here:

The ‘SuperCanada’ option remains the best basis for a UK-EU trade deal

For several years now, I have been arguing for a ‘SuperCanada’ (or CETA+++) bespoke deal with the EU to replace our EU membership. In the next few weeks, it’s very possible this will become the UK’s agreed position after Cabinet level discussions.

I would be relieved rather than celebratory if this were to be the case, as I honestly believe SuperCanada works for all sides and avoids many of the complications of trying to half stay in the EU, Single Market, EEA or, critically, the EU Customs Union.

We’d be simply like many other free, sovereign, independent nations – such as Japan, the USA or India – seeking a friendly and mutually advantageous trade deal with the EU.

Read the full article by David on brexitcentral.com by clicking here.

David Campbell Bannerman Helps Launch ‘Conservatives for Britain’ Group

Conservative party logo with Union Flag

Interviewed in the Telegraph, Co-Chair of the ‘Conservatives for Britain’ Group David Campbell Bannerman MEP said that ‘If the EU is not willing to return significiant powers to our shores,  then Britain should leave. ‘  The MEP went on to say of the Group that ‘We will set out what we believe needs to be achieved in the Renegotiation process if Britain is to remain a member of the EU.  Restricting freedom of movement of EU citizens and making the UK Parliament sovereign over EU law are likely to feature heavily in our agenda.’ Read the full story in The Telegraph here.

 

David Campbell Bannerman was also interviewed on the R5L show Pienaar’s Politics’:

 

The launch was also covered by BBC Radio Four News:

 

David Campbell Bannerman MEP was also interviewed by ConservativeHome on the launch of the new Group.  You can read the interview here.

David Campbell Bannerman Demands Radical EU Reforms

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph on the 31st May 2015,  David Campbell Bannerman  demanded that Cameron’s EU reform must not be a ‘sham’.  The MEP for the Eastern Counties said that Prime Minister has the opportunity to be radical and must take it.

Read more here.

The Daily Star picked up the story and reported that ‘Tory MEP David Campbell Bannerman told Mr Cameron he must deliver radical reforms because the public would not accept a “sham” deal.’

Read more here.

The ECR EU Conference 2015

 

Britain out of Europe banner

The ‘Alternatives to EU Membership’  Conference on Wednesday 18th February was hailed a great success with such leading speakers as Rt Hon Owen Paterson MP,  Sir Bill Cash MP,  John Mills, Matthew Elliott and of course the organiser David Campbell Bannerman MEP who spoke on EEA Lite.

You can view all the speeches from the conference by clicking this link here.

ECR EU Conference

Over 110 delegates attended the ECR EU Conference held at Europe House, London, hosted by David Campbell Bannerman MEP

To find out more information about David’s book ‘Time to Jump’ or to order a copy, you can visit the Time to Jump website here.

David Campbell Bannerman has also published ‘The Ultimate Plan B: A Positive Vision of an independent Britain outside the European Union’ booklet. You can request a copy or download a pdf. More information can be found here.

Delegates’ Response:

This is what Delegates said of the Conference:
“Thank you for hosting an excellent conference which helped me complete my journey towards euroscepticism!”
Jonathan Roberts, UK Chamber of Shipping

“Thank you very much for organising yesterday’s conference – it was truly superb!”
Rory Broomfield, The Freedom Association

“We go to so many debates and discussions about the EU and I have certainly been to my fair share over many years but this was the best by far!”
Lindsay Jenkins, author

EU Conference link to videos