It seems it is only the EU that is brandishing the threat of customs controls.” The EU has said full regulatory alignment with Northern Ireland is the only viable option to prevent a " hard border " with the Republic of Ireland . Prime Minister Theresa May has effectively committed to allowing the region to remain in the single market and customs union , The Guardian has reported . Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for a similar arrangement for Scotland . Should the UK leave the customs union , border checks would be " unavoidable " , according to the EU 's lead minister Michel Barnier .
The EU has said full regulatory alignment with Northern Ireland is the only viable option to prevent a " hard border " with the Republic of Ireland . Prime Minister Theresa May has effectively committed to allowing the region to remain in the single market and customs union , The Guardian has reported . Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has called for a similar arrangement for Scotland . Should the UK leave the customs union , border checks would be " unavoidable " , according to the EU 's lead minister Michel Barnier .