[CharlesWayneCT]

It seems like the number one problem is that their country is kind of split, people who think of themselves as countrymen are not actually in the same country. And since Ireland is in the EU, if Britain drops out, EU wants to impose a “hard border” with Ireland, essentially cutting off a free trade zone that has existed forever, and imposing taxes, fees, and paperwork.

Much of the bargaining with EU has been about trying to avoid this kind of border, but the EU realizes this is the leverage point, and have been very adamant about it.

[ak267]

If the UK leaves, forms it’s own trade pacts (old commonwealth, US, etc.,) and comes out of the storm relatively intact, it would set a precedent the EU would find terrifying. No doubt, a Brexit would encourage other EU nations to leave.

Remainer’s plans are to make Brexit so painful that any other EU country would think twice about leaving.

[Svartalfiar]

And since Ireland is in the EU, if Britain drops out, EU wants to impose a “hard border” with Ireland, essentially cutting off a free trade zone that has existed forever, and imposing taxes, fees, and paperwork.

I don't see why this is such a hard point - it seems that the EU are the ones wanting to force a hard border, the UK doesn't care nearly as much. So, the EU can do something like many other borders - it's a one-sided wall, they can build and enforce it. The UK doesn't have to be part of the wall if they don't want to. Just like the US-Mexico border - We want a proper wall, Mexico is perfectly fine with nothing. Hence it's 95% a US project. Mexico mans a few crossing checkpoints, but that's it.