Paul the Wolf
Score Predictions Competition Organiser
Well, this is Theresa May's (and partly the EU's too) fault IMO. A frictionless border is only impossible if there is no customs arrangement, and for some reason, you seem to think the European Customs Union is the only such arrangement possible. I disagree. If the EU are so eager to set an example of the UK, then I think a no deal scenario might play out in the short term. There are things we can do unilaterally to prevent major changes to the Ireland/NI situation until a comprehensive FTA is agreed.
As said before it is not just the CU, also the SM as well. This has nothing to do with setting an example of the UK, there is nothing the UK can do unilaterally. This is international law. If there's no deal it is for the duration, not just short term, until the UK reapply to join the EU but no deal means a border, there's no escape from that.
Also the withdrawal agreement is not the same as a trade agreement.They are entirely separate other than the declaration of what both sides declare what they think the future relationship may look like. Discussions will only start after the UK has left.