Brexit: Government-backed customs amendments scrape through as minister resigns - as it happened

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Theresa May reveals Donald Trump suggested she sue the EU

Theresa May survived a backbench rebellion and a ministerial resignation to push through a bill on Britain's post-Brexit customs arrangements.

The prime minister had been warned her Chequers deal was "dead in the water" after seemingly caving and accepting amendments by influential pro-Brexit Conservative faction the European Research Group (ERG) on tariffs and VAT policy.

Two ERG amendments were passed with a majority of just three, narrowly avoiding an embarrassing defeat for Ms May after as many as 14 Tory MPs rebelled in divisions on Monday evening.

Among them was defence minister Guto Bebb, who resigned from government after defying the whip to vote against the ERG's new clause 36, requiring HMRC not to collect tariffs for other nations without a reciprocal dealing being in place.

The third reading of the bill was approved by 318 votes to 285, meaning it will now progress to the House of Lords.

Read the recap of how our live coverage unfolded throughout the day

Key Points

• Theresa May survives scare as third reading of Customs Bill scrapes through Commons
• Government-backed amendment on tariffs passes with a majority of just three
• Second amendment committing to a separate VAT policy to EU passes minutes later - also with majority of three
• Minister resigns after voting against government on Brexiteer amendment

[16 July 2018 08:56 · Ashley Cowburn]

[16 July 2018 08:56 · Ashley Cowburn]

[16 July 2018 08:56 · Ashley Cowburn]

[16 July 2018 09:30 · Ashley Cowburn]

On BBC Radio 4's Today programme, the business secretary Greg Clark, warned potential rebels against supporting amendments tabled on this evening's vote on the customs bill. 

"The amendments are to a bill that is designed to prepare for the world after Brexit, to be able to establish new customs regime that will be necessary," he said.

"So I would hope and expect that those of my colleagues that want to get on with Brexit would recognise that this bill is essential."

Asked about the chances of success for Ms May's strategy, Mr Clark continued: "This is a white paper that is now the basis of our negotiation. What I hope is that the EU should now respond positively to that.

"If, as I expect, that happens and we have a comprehensive deal that can be put before parliament - and there had been a commitment to have a meaningful vote - what comes with that is the certainty for working people right across the country that will be able to invest with confidence, will be able to create new jobs, that implementation period will be available.

"All of that hinges on that being agreed this autumn and, I think, when it comes to parliament, I hope and expect that it will be persuasive that what is on offer will be good for the UK and good for every part of the UK."

[16 July 2018 09:47 · Ashley Cowburn]

ITV caught the former Brexit secretary, David Davis, on his way to work this morning - he says he won't be making a resignation speech despite much speculation he would.

[16 July 2018 09:58 · Ashley Cowburn]

[16 July 2018 10:14 · Ashley Cowburn]

Estimated net long-term migration to the UK from the EU was 101,000 in 2017 - the lowest level since the year ending March 2013, official figures show.

[16 July 2018 10:26 · Ashley Cowburn]

[16 July 2018 10:29 · Ashley Cowburn]

Another parliamentary private secretary has resigned from the government over the prime minister's Chequers plan. Scott Man, a PPS to the Treasury, announced his on Twitter this morning.

[16 July 2018 10:40 · Ashley Cowburn]

This was a tweet from Scott Mann before the weekend...