“Historic victory” for the Lib Dems as Parliament votes in favour of UK-EU customs union

The Liberal Democrats have won a historic vote in Parliament in favour of a UK-EU customs union.

The Ten Minute Rule Bill, brought forward by Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP, passed by a majority of 1 vote. The vote breakdown was 100 in favour, 100 against – with the Deputy Speaker casting the deciding vote in favour.

13 Labour backbenchers voted with the Liberal Democrats in favour of negotiating a customs union with the EU.

Ed Davey said the vote sets a crucial Parliamentary precedent for movement on a deeper trading relationship with Europe.

Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat Leader, said:  

“Today was a historic victory for the Liberal Democrats – winning a vote in Parliament to finally end the economic nightmare of the Conservatives' broken Brexit deal

“Across the country, people are crying out for real change and a solution to the cost-of-living crisis. A customs union with the EU is the single biggest step the government could take to grow our economy, put money back into people's pockets and generate billions for our public services

“The Prime Minister must now listen to Parliament and the public, drop his self-imposed red lines and finally go for proper growth through an ambitious trade deal with the EU."