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UK-EU Customs Union (Duty to Negotiate) 2025-12-09
09 December 2025
Lead MP
Al Pinkerton
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyBrexit
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Al Pinkerton raised concerns about uk-eu customs union (duty to negotiate) 2025-12-09 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Brexit has been an economic failure, leading to reduced business investment, shattered resilience, and higher costs. The UK faces significant challenges with its current relationship with the EU, including trade barriers that harm small businesses and increase red tape. Dr Pinkerton advocates for a customs union between the UK and the EU as a means of reducing frictions and promoting growth, citing economic analyses showing negative impacts from Brexit.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Opposes the Bill arguing that the UK is not weaker or more isolated post-Brexit. Cites examples of international support and alliances to counter claims of isolation. Emphasises that the referendum result must be respected, highlighting that while he voted to remain, he accepts the democratic decision made by the British people.
Torfaen
The proposal would undermine business certainty, which is vital for businesses up and down the country as they are settling into new trading regimes post-Brexit. Businesses have been making a decent fist of it with the help of the Government's work to iron out creases in trade relations.
Torfaen
The Bill would require rewriting or scrapping existing trade deals, which is counterproductive and shows bad faith towards those who have worked hard to deliver them. The EU does not want a customs union with Turkey-style terms and sees the UK as a third country, showing no interest in revisiting previous agreements.
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