Plan to leave EU customs union criticised

Farmers have criticised the UK Government’s determination to leave the EU customs union.

Reports suggested the prime minister could soften her Brexit position and accept continued membership to help resolve the Northern Ireland border conundrum and avoid a series of embarrassing parliamentary defeats on the issue.

But Downing Street yesterday moved to quash the suggestions.

Brexiteers want to see the UK outside any customs union, despite Brussels rejecting that as unworkable when it comes to avoiding a hard border for Northern Ireland.

National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Scotland chief executive Scott Walker was disappointed the government again ruled out customs union membership “without setting out an alternative or recognising what this will mean for food and farming in the UK”.

Mr Walker said the current trade agreements the EU has with the rest of the world through the customs union already allowed “frictionless free trade with Europe” as well as maintaining high food standards, which he said could be at risk through trade deals with America, Australia or New Zealand.

He said: “We remain adamant that any Brexit outcome that results in the UK importing cheaper food would be hugely damaging to the farming, food and drinks sectors.”