Reader TTS

The Brexit deal will still include the UK leaving the customs union despite pro-Europe peers proposing amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill on Wednesday, as the Treasury Minister ensures

voters that the government will not backtrack.  Mel Stride, Financial secretary to the Treasury said: “What I was to refer to was to the fact that the customs union itself allows for any

eventuality including entering into a customs union with another group of countries. “It is actually within the bill not just in the context of the European Union, but actually our crown

dependence. “But in terms of where we go from here, we have made it clear that we will be leaving the customs union and I am absolutely confident that we will be doing that.” New analysis

released by Brexit campaigners last night revealed that 10 Remain-backing peers have proposed a total of 388 amendments designed to frustrate or reverse the EU departure process. “What

Brexit should mean is that we will have the ability to make trade deals around the world with other countries. “With the faster growing parts of the world economy. “If we are within the

customs union of course we don’t have the ability to do that.” PORTILLO: CUSTOMS UNION 'BLOCKS' UK FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD Wednesday’s debate is expected to focus on an

amendment seeking to commit ministers to making a statement about their progress in the Brexit negotiations on agreeing "an arrangement which enables the United Kingdom to continue

participating in a customs union with the European Union". Downing Street officials insisted the Government would not back down over the plan to withdraw Britain from the EU's

customs union. Theresa May's spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has been very clear that the British people voted to leave and the EU and want us to be free to sign our own trade

deals. “As the Prime Minister has set out, that means leaving the customs union."