Sir John Major attacks PM’s EU customs plans and wants Britain to stay in Customs Union
No. 10 hit back at his comments, saying: “We’ve been very clear on our position on leaving the Customs Union and the importance of delivering on that.”
BOTH Brexit customs fixes suggested by Theresa May would fail, Sir John Major has declared.
The former PM also said he wants Britain to stay in the EU Customs Union.
The PM prefers a customs partnership where the UK collects import tariffs on the EU’s behalf.
But critics argue this would tie the UK to Brussels rules forever.
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Remoaner Sir John took aim at both of the models while addressing the Irish Embassy in London on Thursday.
He said: “No doubt many goods can be cleared in some invisible, frictionless way — as yet unidentified — but not all.”
Sir John added: “Ingenious options have been proposed but rejected by Cabinet sub-committees, with the limp promise that further ideas will be sought.”
He said staying in the EU Customs Union was crucial to trade with no sensible alternative. But Brexiteers say Britain would be unable to strike new trade deals.
Civil servants are now trying to make progress on the options before Mrs May’s Brexit “war committee” meets on Tuesday.
Last night No 10 hit back at Sir John, saying: “We’ve been very clear on our position on leaving the Customs Union and the importance of delivering on that.”
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