Starmer Hit By Labour Rebellion As MPs Back EU Customs Union

Keir Starmer has been hit by a fresh Labour rebellion as MPs voted in favour of the UK rejoining the EU customs union.

In a major surprise, the House of Commons backed a Liberal Democrat bill calling for a return of the trading arrangement which ended after Brexit.

Although it is unlikely to ever become law, the result is a further sign that the political mood is shifting in favour of closer ties between Britain and the European Union.

Labour MPs had been told to abstain in the Commons vote on Tuesday afternoon, but 13 rebelled to support it.

The final result of 100-100, with deputy speaker Caroline Noakes using her casting vote to let the bill proceed.

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said it was “a historic victory” for his party.

He said: “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.”

It comes as the government becomes increasingly vocal about the economic damage caused by Brexit.

Prime minister Keir Starmer last month slammed the “wild promises” made by Brexiteers, while his deputy David Lammy went further and said it was “self-evident” that Brexit had damaged the UK economy.

The deputy PM’s remarks sparked some controversy over speculation rejoining the customs union could be on the cards.

Starmer was quick to shoot down such an idea, however, insisting: “The position that we are taking has been clearly set out in the manifesto and then we’ve been following it.”

Labour’s election manifesto rules out a return to the EU’s customs union or the single market, but would try to create closer economic ties with the bloc.

But the vote signals Starmer’s backbenchers are again pushing for the government to go further.