Keir Starmer MP, Labour’s Shadow Brexit Secretary, responding to the House of Lords’ vote to back an amendment for the Government to negotiate a future customs union with the EU, said:

“The passing of this cross-party amendment is an important step forward.

“Labour has long championed the benefits of a customs union as the only viable way to protect jobs, support manufacturing and help avoid a hard border in Northern Ireland after we leave the EU. That is why we have called on the Government to negotiate a new comprehensive UK-EU customs union after Brexit as part of a close future relationship with the EU.

“Theresa May must now listen to the growing chorus of voices who are urging her to drop her redline on a customs union and rethink her approach.”