The Government is suggesting that it will make little difference in practical terms – but opposed it for symbolic and political reasons.
“Canada Plus Plus would be very good but in the meantime, [we can] get out without paying the £39 billion.”
The presence of four Labour Leavers helped the UK to avoid a customs union – but their absence on a more minor amendment produced a Government defeat.
Does the narrowness of the win signal further problems to come, or has the Government headed off the revolt?
Long-standing Leavers, who stood out for personal conviction against the Party leadership, should understand Remainers who are now in the same position.
The eurosceptic Labour MP says she doesn’t think her party’s leader will announce a “seismic” change in policy, however.
If there’s to be no border in Ireland, and Britain is to leave the Customs Union and Single Market, it follows that there must be a customs border on the Irish Sea.
The Government won by 326 votes to 290. Ken Clarke voted against the Programme Motion – the only Tory vote against the Bill earlier today.
May should make a virtue of the complexity.
Nicky Morgan also didn’t vote, along with Ben Howlett and Nick Herbert.
As debate swirls about increasingly negative attitudes to our representatives, people have taken to Twitter to show their appreciation.
Also: Hoey claims legal challenge may be needed to force Labour to stand in Ulster; Dugdale under fire over Brexit comments; DUP warn of ‘chaos’ if Sinn Fein win next month; and more.
For unity’s sake, Tories are going to have to be relaxed about seeing party members on the other side of the EU campaign to themselves, alongside politicians from other parties.
May’s view had no impact on the polls. It was only later after the Conservative manifesto was published that our poll numbers begun to deteriorate.