Lib Dem Bill to get a better trade deal with UK-EU customs union passes despite Reading Labour MPs failing to back it

A Ten Minute Rule Bill brought forward by Liberal Democrat Europe Spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP has passed in a “historic victory for the Liberal Democrats.” However, Reading Lib Dems have said they’re deeply disappointed in Reading’s Labour MPs for not supporting the Bill. 

The Bill, tabled by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament, aimed to pave the way for the UK to start negotiations with the EU on a new customs union. 

Estimates, reported in The Guardian, suggest that a UK-EU customs union could deliver more than £25 billion a year to the Exchequer by reducing red tape and unlocking the potential of British businesses.

The Liberal Democrats have argued that a new UK-EU customs union would lower trade barriers, cut red tape for Reading’s businesses, and put money back into residents’ pockets. 

The Bill passed by a majority of 1 vote. The vote breakdown was 100 in favour, 100 against – with the Deputy Speaker casting the deciding vote in favour. 

13 Labour backbenchers voted with the Liberal Democrats in favour of negotiating a customs union with the EU. Local Labour MPs Matt Rodda, Olivia Bailey and Yuan Yang abstained on the Bill.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said the vote sets a crucial Parliamentary precedent for movement on a deeper trading relationship with Europe.

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, Councillor James Moore said: 

“It is deeply disappointing that our local MPs have failed to back a plan that would help people with the cost-of-living crisis locally.

“However, I am delighted to see the Liberal Democrats in Parliament win this vote. A closer relationship with Europe will boost our economy nationally and alleviate the cost of living crisis we’re seeing worsen. 

“For years, people in Reading have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. Our local Labour MPs had a chance to fix that problem, but instead they sat on their hands. 

“Only the Liberal Democrats are fighting to tackle the issues our economy faces, while Labour just keep letting us down.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP added: 

“This was a historic victory for the Liberal Democrats – winning a vote in Parliament to finally end the economic nightmare of the Conservatives' broken Brexit deal.

“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."