Brexit: What is the Irish backstop?

The video discusses the UK-EU agreement on the Irish border, focusing on the backstop, an insurance policy to keep Britain in the EU customs union if no other agreement is reached. The UK and EU have differing views on the backstop's content. The EU suggests Northern Ireland remain in the EU customs union, while the UK opposes this, fearing it would harm the Union. Failure to agree on the backstop could lead to a no-deal Brexit, resulting in a hard border with strict checks between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

What is the primary purpose of the backstop in the UK-Irish border agreement?

• To establish a new border post between Northern Ireland and Ireland

• To keep Britain in the EU customs union if no other agreement is reached

• To ensure Northern Ireland remains part of the UK

• To create a separate customs union for Northern Ireland

What was the EU's original proposal regarding Northern Ireland in the backstop agreement?

• Northern Ireland should join the UK customs union

• Northern Ireland should have a separate customs union

• Northern Ireland should remain in the EU customs union and other systems

• Northern Ireland should leave the EU customs union

Why is Britain opposed to a separate status for Northern Ireland in the backstop agreement?

• It would strengthen the Union as a whole

• It would simplify trade agreements

• It would lead to economic benefits

• It would damage the Union as a whole

What could be a consequence of failing to reach a backstop agreement?

• A smooth transition for Brexit

• A no-deal Brexit with a hard border

• A unified customs union for the UK and EU

• An increase in trade between the UK and EU

What might a no-deal Brexit result in regarding the Irish border?

• A new trade agreement between the UK and Ireland

• No changes to the current border situation

• A reduction in border security

• A hard border with heavy checks