A leaked joint political declaration on the UK 's future relationship with the uk envisages a trade relationship on trade that is " as close as possible " , but acknowledged there would be " inevitable " barriers . The document also said certain arrangements and measures would be considered to prevent a hard border between uk and euro Ireland . However , the pro - trade European union Group called the declaration a " smokescreen " to cover the likelihood of a permanent trade union backstop .
A leaked joint political declaration on the UK's future relationship with the EU envisages a trade relationship on goods that is "as close as possible", but acknowledged there would be "inevitable" barriers. The document also said certain arrangements and technologies would be considered to prevent a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. However, the pro-Brexit European Research Group called the declaration a "smokescreen" to cover the likelihood of a permanent customs union backstop.