But it will take some time to negotiate and may come at a high price, as the UK may have to align with some EU regulations.

That, say opponents, would mean the UK becoming a rule taker from Brussels once more in what would be a Brexit betrayal.

It is the tightest of tightropes for Sir Keir Starmer and his government to negotiate, coming at a time when a resurgent Reform party will now be targeting Labour seats in leave-voting constituencies.

But it also presents a big challenge for unionists who want the Irish sea border completely dismantled.

How do they strike the balance between welcoming a deal that begins to eradicate the border while at the same time undermining the Brexit they championed?

Do they adopt a purist or pragmatic approach?