Barry Gardiner MP, Labour’s Shadow Trade Secretary, responding to the UK-Japan statement of intent on enhanced trading, said:

“Theresa May’s proposed deal would harm the foundations of our existing relationship with Japan. Japanese investors will understandably be seeking clarity on the terms of our future relationship with the EU, but it is a clarity that Theresa May cannot give – because the future political framework that parliament is to vote on next week is no more than a flimsy statement of intent.

“Labour’s policy gives the certainty that our global trading partners like Japan are seeking. That is why we have proposed a new customs union which would protect the just-in-time supply chains that so many of our manufacturing businesses depend on.”