Overview
- Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes used a casting vote in line with precedent to allow further debate after MPs split 100 to 100.
- The Liberal Democrat ten-minute rule bill, introduced by Al Pinkerton, will return for a second reading on January 16.
- Thirteen Labour backbenchers backed the motion, with three voting against, underscoring tensions with the party’s stated red line on a customs union.
- Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy recently suggested a customs union could aid the economy, a view later downplayed by ministers and No 10.
- Ten-minute rule bills seldom become law, making this a symbolic step; it was the first tied Commons vote since 2019 and prompted audible surprise in the chamber.