Labour leadership candidates under pressure to back new Customs Union with EU, as Lib Dems force new Commons vote
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Labour leadership candidates under pressure to back new Customs Union with EU, as Lib Dems force new Commons vote
Labour leadership candidates will face pressure this week to back a new customs union with the EU, as the Liberal Democrats prepare to force a vote on the issue this week in the Commons.
This includes Wes Streeting who is now on the backbenches and has previously hinted at support for a customs union with the EU, and on Saturday called for the UK to "one day" rejoin.
A Liberal Democrat amendment to the King’s Speech calling for the UK to start negotiations with the EU on a customs union is expected to be voted on by MPs on Wednesday.
The Liberal Democrats said this would be a “make or break” moment for Labour MPs including those who want to run in any future leadership contest, adding that closer ties with the EU were crucial to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and defend Britain’s security.
The Liberal Democrats won a previous non-binding parliamentary vote on the customs union in December after 13 Labour MPs backed a Ten Minute Rule bill tabled by Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson Al Pinkerton.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:
“This is a make or break moment for Labour MPs - especially those considering running to lead their party. Actions speak louder than words.
“Anyone in the Labour Party who is serious about changing direction and offering people hope again should back our amendment calling for a closer trade deal with the EU. That includes Andy Burnham who should encourage his Labour colleagues in Parliament to back it.
“We can’t solve the cost-of-living crisis without repairing the damage done by Nigel Farage and the Conservatives’ terrible Brexit deal.
“That starts by negotiating a customs union with the EU to cut red tape, boost businesses and turbocharge the economy. This is a vital first step towards rebuilding the UK's relationship with Europe, putting us on the path towards EU membership in the long term.”
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The draft text of the amendment is as follows:
At end add ‘but respectfully regret that the Gracious Speech fails to outline proposals to negotiate a UK-EU Customs Union, and is therefore insufficient for reversing the damage done to the British economy by the previous Government’s Trade and Cooperation Agreement; and calls on the Government to open negotiations with the EU on creating a UK-EU Customs Union, to start fixing the damage of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.’
