Now Leadsom doubts May’s customs plan

THERESA May is facing a backlash in her own cabinet if she presses ahead with her controversial plan to sign Britain up to a customs partnership.

The proposal has now been condemned by Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom.

Ms Leadsom said at the weekend: “I think the customs partnership looks quite bureaucratic and unwieldy, particularly for businesses, they are not keen on more bureaucracy, more red tape.” Her opposition means she has joined Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and leading Brexit MP Jacob Rees Mogg in making it clear the plan drawn up by Brexit civil servant Olly Robbins could lead to Mrs May’s future as leader coming into question.

The strong antipathy to the plan from Brexiteers is a sign her strategy to appease Brussels hardliners and their Remainer allies in Parliament will not be accepted by many of her MPs.

Ministers are preparing to decide on their preferred option to ensure smooth post-Brexit trade. The options include the customs partnership and the “maximum facilitation” system favoured by Brexiteers.

Brexiteers oppose a customs partnership with the EU, which would see the UK collect tariffs set by the EU customs union on goods entering the country on behalf of the bloc. Many fear it would tie Britain to Brussels rule and mean free trade agreements with the rest of the world would be impossible.

Their alternative would use technology to minimise the need for customs checks.

Both systems have been dismissed by EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier. Mrs May’s spokesman said: “More work is being done on both options.”