Thread by @hayward_katy

104 pages of the #Brexit #WhitePaper reduced to 10 slides.
Especially for those concerned for @BorderIrish, @BelfastAgmt,
& with more sense than time.

@DPhinnemore & I have scrutinised the WP in light of #JointReport commitments to NI/IRL & the UK's alternative #backstop.
1/10

A bit of context-setting (plus explanation of our imaginative colour coding).

The White Paper is in part an effort by UK govt to prove a NI-specific #backstop to be unnecessary. But remember Protocol for NI/IRL in the Withdrawal Agmt is abt much more than a customs border.

2/10

A reminder of where we are up to on that Protocol on NI/IRL in the draft Withdrawal Agreement.

With added stars 🌟 to identify which bits the White Paper attempts to address (or negate) most directly.

3/10

The 1st of 3 slides comparing the commitments made in the Joint UK-EU Report (bit.ly/2Bgjvj6) to what we have here in the White Paper.

Green background identifies UK/EU agreement.
Yellow background: work required.
Red font: what is still not addressed in WP.

4/10

Following on from the above, this slide shows quite how much is at least namechecked in the #WhitePaper when it comes to North/South cooperation.

In & of itself, that list marks v.welcome progress. But there's still a way to go, as we can see by text frm the Joint Report.

5/10

Last of the three slides comparing the Joint Report commitments and the White Paper.

Inc. new fave phrase of UK Govt: 'constitutional & economic integrity of the UK'.

Note WP's specific mention of Border Inspection Posts as physical infrastructure.

6/10

A simple overview of border checks & controls
+ a simple summary of the ways the #WhitePaper seeks to make them unnecessary.

For specifics on such controls see bit.ly/2sgOBQD

[We resisted temptation to turn this table into a 'cakeometer'🍰🎂]

7/10

Now we turn to the UK's alternative #backstop, i.e. the Technical Note on temporary #customs arrangement that was published in early June. bit.ly/2xPOwJz
It was meant to be an all-UK solution for Irish #border issue.

Comparison with White Paper is enlightening.

8/10

Another slide comparing Technical Note with White Paper.

We know what the EU said in response to it bit.ly/2NUwcmH

FWIW, it was an ambitious attempt by UK to engage on an all-UK basis with need to avoid customs checks on @BorderIrish.

Where does the WP leave it?

9/10

Finally, a sketchy summary of key points of progress, & key areas needing more work.

Next (aside from #CustomsBill furore) keep an eye on what UK puts forward for text on #Protocol.
This is still crucial cos no Protocol = no Withdrawal Agmt = no transition = hard exit.

10/10

PS An easier to read version is available here, with many thanks to @QPolAtQueens
qpol.qub.ac.uk/uk-white-paper…