Theresa May to demand ministers dodge crunch Commons vote on customs union
2 min read
Theresa May has reportedly told ministers to stay away from a vote this week which could end in a majority of MPs backing remaining in the customs union.
Thursday’s backbench vote on keeping Britain in the trade bloc is largely symbolic, but would represent a blow for the Government were they to lose it.
It is one of a series of critical votes in the next few months and could pave the way for a dramatic loss when MPs vote on an amendment to the Brexit bill that could force ministers to abandon the policy.
However, allies of Theresa May have told the Sun that failing to confront demands for a change of course by pro-European Tories would only delay the Prime Minister’s problem.
One close ally of the PM said: “She is in a trap. She needs the space to get one of her proposals agreed with the EU.
“But clearly they won’t do that as long as they think Parliament will vote for a customs union.”
Former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan-Smith said: “At some point the Government will have to have a vote, and when they do I am sure they’ll win it.
“We have a manifesto commitment to leave the custom union, and all my colleagues will be reminded of that.”
The calls come after Downing Street denied speculation that Mrs May could put her premiership on the line by making Thursday a vote of confidence, in a challenge to those behind the amendment.
A Number 10 spokesman branded the claim, initially from the BBC, an “absolute mystery”.
Meanwhile, The Times has reported that Tory whips have called a local election “action day” on Thursday, which could coincide with the vote.
They say that pro-European Conservatives are resigned to the debate being sparsely attended and that it was unlikely to be put to an official vote.
“I think a lot of people will decide to show willing and go and campaign instead,” said a source.
“That doesn’t mean they agree with the policy — they don’t… but this is not the right time.”
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