Rudd throws UK customs union exit into doubt

Amber Rudd fuelled controversy over Britain’s Brexit deal by suggesting that UK membership of the customs union remained open.

The Home Secretary declined to say that the UK was certain to leave the customs union during a Westminster lunch with journalists.

Saying she was “not going to be drawn” on the issue, Ms Rudd claimed the government was “still working on” its position, requiring further discussions with Cabinet colleagues. She later posted a tweet clarifying that the UK would be leaving the customs union, but her comments has thrown doubt on a highly contested area of Brexit policy.

In the Commons, the government did not oppose a cross-party motion backed by several Tory MPS calling for the UK to stay in the customs union.