'Red Tape Everywhere!' 13 Labour MPs Rebel As Commons Advances Customs Union Bill
- Sarah-Jayne Gratton
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Labour’s post-Brexit policy has come under fresh political scrutiny after MPs narrowly voted to advance legislation exploring the creation of a new UK–EU customs union, following a dramatic tied vote in the House of Commons.
The 10-minute rule motion, introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Al Pinkerton, ended in a 100–100 tie — forcing the deputy speaker to cast the deciding vote in favour. As a result, the Bill will now proceed to a second reading in January.
Although Labour MPs had been instructed by party leadership not to support the motion, the instruction was only advisory and not a formal whip. Nevertheless, 13 Labour backbenchers defied the party line, voting alongside the Liberal Democrats — a clear sign of internal dissent over Labour’s Brexit stance.
The vote reflects growing parliamentary appetite — albeit still minority — for reopening the debate on UK–EU trade relations. While the Bill itself is unlikely to become law without government backing, its passage to a second reading delivers a symbolic victory for those arguing the current arrangements are hurting UK business and trade.
Senior figures in the government, including Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have repeatedly insisted the UK will not rejoin the EU customs union. Earlier on the day of the vote, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the UK had “reset” its relationship with the European Union. Only last week, Sir Keir reaffirmed Labour’s manifesto commitment to improve relations with Brussels — but without rejoining the customs union, the single market or restoring freedom of movement.
The Liberal Democrats, meanwhile, seized the moment to intensify pressure on the government. Party leader Sir Ed Davey described the result as a significant moment, arguing that the existing Brexit settlement had left Britain burdened with “red tape everywhere” and was continuing to harm trade and investment.
Though the Bill remains non-binding and faces steep odds without government support, the fact that 13 Labour MPs broke ranks — combined with a successful Commons vote — underscores a growing restlessness within Westminster over the long-term economic consequences of the UK’s post-Brexit trading arrangements.