Liberal Democrat Bill to Negotiate UK-EU Customs Union Advances After Tie Vote
In the House of Commons, a Liberal Democrat bill proposing the start of negotiations for a bespoke UK-EU customs union resulted in a rare 100-100 tie vote. Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes cast the deciding vote in favor, allowing further debate on the bill. This was the first tied vote in the House since 2019, which was also related to Brexit alternative plans.
Despite this procedural success, the bill is unlikely to become law without government support. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that rejoining the EU's customs union is not current policy, although the government is aiming for closer trading ties with the European Union. Labour’s 2024 manifesto promises not to rejoin either the customs union or the single market.
Since Brexit, the UK has left the EU customs union, which permits 27 member states to charge uniform taxes on goods. The current government is pursuing closer ties with the EU through deals involving food standards rules, electricity trading, and visas for young people.
Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton highlighted that the bill aims to reduce red tape, unlock investment, and restore certainty for British business.
