Summary
Thirteen Labour MPs in the UK supported a bill to start talks on forming a new customs union with the EU, but most Labour MPs did not participate in the vote. The vote ended in a tie, which is rare in the UK Parliament, and the Deputy Speaker cast the deciding vote to allow more debate. The bill is unlikely to become law without government backing.
Key Facts
- Thirteen Labour MPs supported a bill by the Liberal Democrats for a new customs union with the EU.
- The Labour Party's official policy does not support re-joining the existing EU customs union.
- The vote on the bill was tied at 100 each, with the Deputy Speaker casting the deciding vote to keep the debate open.
- It was the first tied vote in the House of Commons since 2019.
- The majority of Labour MPs did not vote; three Labour MPs voted against the bill.
- Eighty-nine Conservative MPs and four Reform UK members voted against the bill.
- The Liberal Democrat leader views the vote as a significant achievement for his party.
- The UK left the EU customs union after Brexit, affecting trade barriers and tax on imports.
