Mr. Brian Keegan:

May I make two observations? Senator Rose Conway-Walsh's observations are particularly pertinent because one of the competencies of the European Union is to set the rates for tariffs. When it comes to policing, however, the individual revenue authorities are left with colossal scope to determine how best to do so. We would think the future relationship between HM Revenue & Customs and my colleagues here will be critical in managing that process. The UK authorities will have to deal with 27 EU member states. We will principally have to deal with a new relationship with one of them. We probably need to get in as early as we can.

It is very bad news for the clothes shop in Belfast. Perhaps, however, it is better news for the shop in Dublin, where shoppers might ultimately buy the dress. That again crystallises the benefit of the Single Market and what the United Kingdom is leaving.