UK Prime Minister, Theresa May would like to solve the Irish border problem by creating a customs partnership with the EU. But these plans have faced heavy criticism from some pro-Brexit cabinet members.

The customs partnership model could ultimately mean that the UK would have to stay in a customs union with the EU and remain aligned to the rules of the EU Single Market. This could mean that the UK would collect EU tariffs for goods coming into the UK on behalf of the EU.

While this model might allow free flowing trade and prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland, there are fears that the plan would cause issues for the UK when trying to pursue an independent trade policy after Brexit.

With some finding this model as totally unacceptable, it’s become increasingly difficult for the Prime Minister to find an option agreeable to all UK MPs as well as the EU.

More work is needed to be done to establish an option which will mean no hard border on the island of Ireland and frictionless trade between the EU and the UK.

In terms of future talks, the UK and EU have just published the list of items for discussion on the future framework over the forthcoming meetings.