Brexit: Government-backed customs amendments scrape through as minister resigns - as it happened
Follow all the latest updates from Westminster live
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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
Another Labour amendment to the Customs Bill has been defeated, this time it is Amendment 21, calling for action to be taken in the bill to prevent "dumping", the practice of injuring pricing by flooding a market with cut-price goods to drive out competition.
The next division is on Amendment 73, also put forwards by the ERG, pledging the UK will adopt a separate VAT system to the EU.
Amendment 73 also squeezes through with a majority of just three, the second razor-thin vote of the evening.
These are the Tory MPs who are thought to have rebelled against the government this evening over the ERG new clause 36 amendment:
The third reading of the Customs Bill has passed, but the government has survived some scares to make it there - two new ERG amendments accepted by Theresa May passed with a majority of just three.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments