UK Prime Minister Theresa May narrowly avoided defeat yesterday on the Brexit Customs Bill in the Commons after conceding to four amendments of the Brexiteers. But the slim margin in vote showed once again the deep divisions between pro-EU Tories and Brexiteers that could heavily undermine May’s position in upcoming negotiations.
One amendment prevents UK from collecting taxes on behalf of the EU unless the rests of the EU does the same for the UK. It’s passed by 305 to 302 with 14 Tories rebelled. Another amendment ensures the UK is out of EU’s VAT regime and was passed by 303 to 300, with 11 Tories rebelled.
Debates will continue today with the Trade Bill going to the Commons. The bill allows the UK government to build new trade relationships with other countries after Brexit. Some pro-EU MPs who support staying in the EU customs union are pushing for some changes in wordings.
