This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Published on October 29, 2019, the UK government's no-deal Brexit plan for the Northern Ireland border has been met with concerns from experts and industry leaders.
The plan, which aims to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has been criticized for being unsustainable and potentially catastrophic for the region's farming and food industry.
According to the plan, Irish goods going direct to Great Britain will be subject to new tariffs and controls, while Irish exporters to Northern Ireland will face no tariffs or checks. However, this has raised concerns that Irish businesses may use Northern Ireland as a tariff-free back door into GB.
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has stated that there will be a 'general anti-avoidance rule' to discourage Irish firms from using Northern Ireland as a tariff-free back door into GB. However, some trade experts have expressed skepticism that the plan is compliant with World Trade Organisation rules.
The Ulster Farmers' Union has also criticized the plan, stating that it would result in a 'catastrophic' outcome for farming and food production in Northern Ireland.
The UK government has acknowledged that the plan will impact on the competitiveness of Northern Ireland businesses, but has maintained that it is the best option for avoiding a hard border.
