UK likely to leave customs union, warns Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, in an interview with the Czech daily Hospodářské noviny, has indicated that Britain is likely to leave the customs union.

Mr Johnson said: "[There will be a] dynamic trade relationship [between the UK and the EU] and we will take back control of our borders, but we remain an open and welcoming society … We probably will have to come out of the customs union, but that’s a question I am sure will be discussed."

It is the first time a minister has indicated the UK could leave the customs union, which prevents the country from forming trade deals with other countries because it would have to implement the EU’s common external tariff.

Downing Street insisted that the Government's position had not changed and that no decision had been taken on Britain's future membership of the customs union.

"The Foreign Secretary reflected the Government's position which is that a decision hasn't been taken," Mrs May's spokesman said. "He was very clear that the Government has not taken a decision".

The president of the Eurogroup of finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, claimed Mr Johnson was offering "options that are really not available" by suggesting Britain could be "inside the internal market but outside the customs union".

“He’s saying things that are intellectually impossible, politically unavailable," the Dutch finance minister told Newsnight.

Article 50 legislation drawn up

Legislation to begin the process of leaving the EU has been drawn up by minister, it has been reported.

It is understood the government has prepared a short three line bill to begin the process of leaving the EU - so Theresa May can meet her March deadline to trigger Article 50.

The BBC reported that sources say they believe the legislation is so tightly drawn it will be difficult for critical MPs to amend.

Ministers have drawn up the legislation in the expectation that they may lose their appeal to the Supreme Court, which would force them to consult parliament.

Farage attacks May's refusal to use him as a Trump go-between

Nigel Farage has attacked Theresa May's refusal to use him as a go-between with US President-elect Donald Trump as "nonsense".

The interim Ukip leader, who was the first British politician to meet the controversial tycoon since his election success, said "petty personal differences" should be set aside.