Tue, 09 Dec 2025

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 Thirteen Labour MPs vote for talks on joining EU customs union

One hundred MPs voted for and 100 against the Liberal Democrats' bill, which would require the UK to begin talks with the EU for a new customs union.

* 13 Labour MPs voted in favor of a Liberal Democrat bill requiring the government to begin negotiations on joining a bespoke customs union with the EU.
* The vote was tied at 100-100, with Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes casting the deciding vote in favor of the bill.
* The bill is unlikely to become law without government support, but its passage marks a historic victory for the Liberal Democrats.
* Many Labour MPs abstained on the bill or voted against it, while several Conservative MPs spoke out against the customs union proposal.
* The bill's proponents argue that joining a customs union would boost trade and growth, but critics claim it would go against the public's wishes after Brexit and create uncertainty for businesses.
* Despite their previous opposition to rejoining the EU customs union, some Labour ministers have begun to express criticism of Brexit and its economic consequences.
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