Written evidence - Dr Andrew Potter and Professor Anthony Beresford Cardiff University

The counter position adopted by the EU would see the retention of checks for any products passing between the UK and EU, although there are suggestions that these need not be at the port itself. [...] Mention should also be made of the agreement in December 2017 between the UK and EU in respect of the Irish Border. [...] The agreement also explicitly acknowledges the land bridge role that the UK plays for Ireland-EU trade, and that this will feature in the next phase of negotiations. [...] Although unclear what the outcome here may be, it could be appropriate for transit vehicles from Ireland to the EU to have a special status where, providing they remained sealed from the point of departure in Ireland to the point of arrival in the UK, port transits could be speeded up for these vehicles. [...] The vessel will cater for both passengers and freight, the former benefiting from the continuation of the Common Travel Area.