Patel says leaving EU customs union after Brexit is vital to future success

Brexit-backing former Cabinet minister Priti Patel has urged Theresa May to ensure that the UK leaves the EU’S customs union, warning that this is the only way that Britain can secure “the freedom to succeed”.

In her first broadcast interview since she was sacked as international development secretary in November, Ms Patel apologised for causing the Prime Minister difficulty by meeting members of the Israeli government without her knowledge.

But she insisted there was “no malice” in the secret meet- 0 Priti Patel has not ruled out a Tory party leadership bid ings and said it would have been “remiss” of her not to speak to them while on holiday in the country.

Ms Patel gave her backing to Mrs May, saying she remained on “cordial” terms with the Prime Minister and was “absolutely not” envisaging her being forced out of office.

But she did not rule out an eventual bid for the Tory leadership, telling presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid: “I haven’t got a crystal ball.

“No-one knows what the future holds.

“Everything changes quite frequently. I don’t know what tomorrow might bring.”

Ms Patel’s comments came ahead of a speech in which CBI director-general Carolyn Fairbairn is expected to call for the UK to remain in the customs union after Brexit for the sake of trading relationships, business and jobs.