Government facing defeat over customs union
The government is facing defeat in the Commons over remaining in a European customs union Photo: PA - Credit: PA Wire/PA Images
Members of Theresa May's team believe she could have to accept continued membership of a European customs union, according to reports.
Leaks to the Sunday Times suggest senior aides said they would not be 'crying into our beer' if parliament forces the government's hand by voting in favour of remaining in a customs union.
But the prime minister would face fury from Brexiteer backbenchers which could spark a leadership challenge. It is also believed Boris Johnson and Liam Fox could resign from the front bench if the government concedes to staying in a customs union.
Last week the Lords voted to remain in a customs unions and at least 10 Tory MPs are expected to rebel in the Commons.
One Tory source said: 'Theresa May doesn't appear to have the numbers in the Commons – what the fall out will be remains to be seen.'
You may also want to watch:
Most Read
- 1 Joe Biden’s ‘candid’ message to Boris Johnson on Northern Ireland Brexit row
- 2 Why don't Brexiteers like to talk about Brexit any more?
- 3 Brexit: British 'expats' in Spain facing deportation over residency
- 4 Is the Sun setting on Murdoch's global media empire?
- 5 Major disaster: How Tories' 1992 victory sowed seeds of Brexit
- 6 Five years of Brexit summed up by Cold War Steve
- 7 The fight against the homogenisation of the British Isles
- 8 Did Donald Trump really wear his trousers backwards at Republicans' North Carolina rally?
- 9 Tory MP ordered to publicly apologise for bullying parliament staff after struggling with IT
- 10 The 40 best European TV shows to stream
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
