So, as there's now (in theory) going to be a delay........

weaviemx5

Well, they have a choice now they didn't have in the previous WA. And also don't drag the rUK into their gameplaying. A good compromise with the balance of power not resting with the EU.

Panavision

The balance of power in Northern Ireland is entirely vested in pro-EU factions.

weaviemx5

I have heard this point in several guises since Boris unveiled the text. I’m happy to go with the idea that only 5% has change but that doesn’t mean it is anything like May’s deal (which is usually the insinuation) depending on what the 5% is.

after all, we are genetically 95% identical to chimps! 5% can make all the difference.

Panavision

Can you point out the part in the first draft that shows a border in the Irish Sea and an immediate introduction of the Backstop, along with the 4-yearly deciding vote to remove it being given to a political entity that hasn’t sat for 3 years?

I get that your only concern is England, and making NI a rule-taker with no say in the EU isn’t a concern for you, but at least accept the reality through your rose-tinted Boris glasses.

Pacifico

Yes, NI gets a veto, but like others have pointed out, the cards are heavily stacked in the EU's position, mainly because Stormont hasn't sat for three years and Unionists don't have a majority. Why would Sinn Fein want to seat again after this deal? They will have their tantrums and Stormont collapses.

And here is the ridiculous bit: if Stormont agrees to leave the CU there will be a transition period. Any time during the two year transition period if Stormont collapses it reverts back to the default position - staying in the CU.

They will have NO SAY on EU laws that affect them because they are not full-time members.

Boris agreed to this nonsense.

Now you see why the DUP are so unhappy. Easily bought, easily sold.

Rasczak

If the deal had been that the UK, in entirety, are put immediately into the Backstop with a vote in parliament every 4 years to leave, I'd imagine there wouldn't have been as much celebration, "because of the Remainer Parliament" meaning that any vote would go to staying within the CU.  It's only because Johnson has agreed to the border in the Irish Sea, which segregates NI from the mainland, that they're happy with it.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Boris Johnson told DUP 'no Tory PM' could back deal with checks down Irish Sea                                                                                                        BORIS JOHNSON claimed no British Government could or should sign up to any arrangement which would see regulatory check down the Irish Sea – almost exactly a year before agreeing to a deal with the EU with remarkably similar terms.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                www.express.co.uk

Pacifico

I think you need to look again.

Which laws are going to affect them?

They will be members of the single market for agricultural products and goods only. They won't be subject to freedom of movement. They won't be required to implement EU directives. They won't be prevented from setting their own tax rates.

There is a clear democratic mechanism to exit the arrangement if they can get agreement from across the community. Which is what the GFA requires - cross community consent.

Are you arguing that the mechanism to leave is bad because it respects one of the fundamental tenets of the GFA?

Panavision

Yet they will be the CU rules which they cannot affect. Mind you, probably the least of their worries.

And because the Unionist are not the majority and never will be and Stormont not even operating with an assembly, they will be stuck there. Does Britain have the mechanism to pull them out? I'm not seeing that mechanism. Strange thing for the Boris to agree to. This was a surrender.

Bad deal for the DUP.

Pacifico

So... They aren't going to be stuck with applying new laws they have no say over?

It's not a deal for the DUP. It's the arrangement for Northern Ireland and as per the GFA any change would require cross community support.

I've already asked and you ignored it, but I'll try again.

Are you arguing that the mechanism to leave is bad because it respects one of the fundamental tenets of the GFA?

Panavision

Kind of destroys the argument that you need 3 months to scrutinize it then...