The Irish border question is set to expose the uk to the softest possible Brexit , even if Prime Minister Theresa May is eventually defeated by hard - line opposition in the ruling Conservative Party . An opinion piece in The Economist said May 's red lines on a single market and customs union forced her to devise a backstop plan ensuring no hard border and appeasing the trade unionist MPs that give her a parliamentary mandate . However , analysts believe it could lead to a temporary , UK - wide customs union , which could – similar to Norway 's – last much longer than imagined .
The Irish border question is set to drive the UK to the softest possible Brexit, even if Prime Minister Theresa May is eventually deposed by hard-line Europhobes in the ruling Conservative Party. An opinion piece in The Economist said May's red lines on a single market and customs union forced her to devise a backstop plan ensuring no hard border and appeasing the Ulster unionist MPs that give her a parliamentary majority. However, analysts believe it will lead to a temporary, UK-wide customs union, which could – similar to Norway's – last much longer than imagined.