“It would be better in every respect if the UK as a whole remained within both the Customs Union and the Single Market. The UK Government’s own economic analysis reinforces the catastrophic economic consequences of a hard Brexit or no deal situation.
“However, if necessary, a Northern Ireland-only approach would be the next best alternative. This is important not just to defend the current economic situation but to allow Northern Ireland to grow and flourish. Alliance has set out our own proposals and rationale for this in the paper entitled ‘Bridges not Borders’.
“It is important to stress this would be compatible with Northern Ireland continuing to play a full part in the UK’s internal market. The EU Single Market and UK internal market are not mutually exclusive. Crucially, this approach is also entirely consistent with Northern Ireland’s current constitutional position and the principle of consent. Indeed, a satisfactory compromise around this type of approach could bring much needed political stability and cohesion to Northern Ireland.”