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A radical plan to keep the UK in a customs union with the EU after Brexit has been welcomed by Dublin, it has been reported.
The proposal, which is considered to be one of the borders of Ireland, would be the 'backstop' arrangement if not between the UK and the UK.
The measure would be a regulatory and customs border being created in the Irish Sea – the DUP, who are propping up Theresa May's government.
But such an arrangement, even on a temporary basis, would have many Brexiteers opposed to May's Brexit plan as it would see the UK continuing to follow EU rules on goods and agri-foods.
According to the Financial Times, officials in Dublin are supportive of the plan, believed to be under consideration by Downing Street.
"It looks like it would resolve that issue [of the border]Senior Press Release: "Whether Europe accepts it or not is another conversation."
Summing up the opposition many Brexit MPs will have the plan, the official said: "If [the UK is] accepting a customs union, what are they leaving?
"That's the big question, if they accept the customs union, they're not leaving anything really."
The Brexit negotiations are entering the final stages with a crucial summit of EU leaders scheduled for October 19-20.
If progress is made at that meeting, another get-together will be held in November to sign of the withdrawal agreement – which needs to include the backstop solution to the Irish border issue.
Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, European Council president Donald Tusk reiterated his offer of a Canada-style trade deal with the UK.
However, this arrangement is based on the consent of the United Kingdom and may be found in the United Kingdom.
