Overview
- MPs split 100–100 on a ten‑minute rule bill to open talks on a bespoke UK‑EU customs union, with Deputy Speaker Caroline Nokes casting an 'aye' to allow further debate.
- A second reading is scheduled for 16 January 2026, though such bills rarely become law without government backing.
- Thirteen Labour backbenchers, including Treasury committee chair Dame Meg Hillier, supported the motion as most of the party abstained.
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed manifesto red lines against returning to the customs union or single market, warning a customs deal could undermine recent trade agreements with the US and India.
- The vote followed Deputy PM David Lammy highlighting potential economic benefits of a customs arrangement, even as ministers distance themselves and pursue narrower EU 'reset' talks on areas such as food rules, energy trading and youth mobility.