Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Embarrassment for the prime minister as MPs vote for Britain to join a customs union with the EU. It was a symbolic vote called by the pro-EU Liberal Democrats – a ten-minute rule bill is a parliamentary device used to gain publicity; it has no prospect of becoming law because the government controls the timetable. 

Usually government MPs abstain in such votes – especially if their party is divided on an issue – and the bill passes harmlessly before disappearing. But because Conservative MPs voted against today's vote was tied. 

Caroline Nokes, a deputy speaker, used her casting vote to allow the bill to proceed, as is the convention: the chair should allow debate to continue, but in a tied vote on legislation, the casting vote should be against change. 

Paradoxically, the debate will not continue, because the bill will make no progress. But the excitement of the tie drew attention to Lib Dems' procedural victory. 

And 13 Labour MPs, including Fleur Anderson, a recent minister, had the chance to make their point – reinforcing David Lammy's refusal last week to rule out Labour backing a customs union at the next election. 

What position do these Labour MPs hold – Abena Oppong-Asare, Catherine Fookes and Jon Pearce?

Answer at the bottom of today's email 

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QUOTATION OF THE DAY

Most European nations, they're decaying

Donald Trump

Quiz answer: They are the prime minister's parliamentary private secretaries 

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