So the DUP has stepped in and stopped a potential deal on Brexit. When it comes to the wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland, all parties’ views should be considered, not just the one which is keeping the Tories in power!

The answer to preventing a hard border between north and south in Ireland is an obvious one; maintain free trade. However, the DUP wants Northern Ireland to have the same economic conditions as the rest of the UK. Scotland and Wales also want to stay part of the Single Market, so the problem is not Northern Ireland, it’s England. Theresa May knows many of her English back-benchers will not accept us remaining part of the Single Market because that will mean concessions on freedom of movement. Do they really still believe that immigration from the EU is bad for the UK? Statistics show the reverse is true.

However, I can’t see Theresa May angering the Brexiteers by keeping the whole of the UK – including England – in the Single Market. It may be that the only solution to this dilemma is that she grants some sort of autonomy to each nation within the UK to decide whether to remain part of the Single Market or not. That way, she can solve the border issue and treat Northern Ireland the same as the rest of the UK, thus pacifying the DUP. England (of course) would leave the Single Market. Brexit would be secured. But at what cost? Potentially the break-up of the United Kingdom. Ironic that in Scotland the Tories won seats by being the party of national unity!

Content published and promoted by Roy Sheward on behalf of Dan Barker (Liberal Democrats) all at 144 Redhouse Lane, Walsall, WS5 0DB