Renewed tensions between the United Kingdom and the European Union over the implementation of customs controls in Northern Ireland underscore the underlying problems that the Brexit deal failed to solve. While a short-term compromise between London and Brussels is possible, the Northern Ireland question will continue to create disputes between the European Union and the United Kingdom, while opening the door to sporadic episodes of violence in the area. On Feb. 3, U.K. Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove asked the European Union to delay the implementation of full customs controls on the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland until 2023 and to expand waivers on some products.
