That may or may not be the outcome but what I was referring to is that

essentually this wording being out forward was a fudge to try and enable us to get onto "Phase 2" at which stage these types of discussions can be had in their proper context - namely looking at the fututre relationship and trading arrangements.

Its incredibly difficult to have this discussion in the abstract which is what is now happening because of what happened yesterday. They need to get on to "Phase 2" to try and unlock the Irish border situation because it cannot be resolved unless you look at the futute relationship. The EU and Irish original demands in this respect were manifestly unreasonable because of this.

The hysteria of the last 24 hours has therefore not been helpful to anyone. As far as i am aware (please correct me if i'm wrong) that text was not a legally binding commitment at this stage and will ot be until embodied in the leaving/transitional agreement. If it becomes clear there is not going to be an agreement then it would go out the window but if there is going to be an agreement then there will have to be "alignment" in key areas in any event.

Posted By: Jim, Dec 5, 18:46:52