Senior Brexiters have demanded Theresa May drop her proposals for a “New Customs Partnership”, (NCP) saying it is “undeliverable” and would make it “impossible” for the UK to strike its own trade deals.
A 30-page document handed to the BBC says that by requiring such a high level of regulatory alignment, the NCP would render the International Trade Department “obsolete”.
The intervention adds to a chorus of opposition against the NCP, in which Britain would stick closely to the EUs customs regime and collect tariffs on behalf of Brussels.
Influential Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg branded the plans “completely cretinous”, saying it would be a “betrayal of sense”.
Read more: Govt's customs partnership proposal "completely cretinous", says Rees-Mogg
The tussle over the possibility of the UK remaining in the customs union comes on the back of a thumping defeat by the House of Lords on the EU Withdrawal Bill.
Liam Fox accused the Lords of trying to “thwart the will of the British people” after three amendments were passed by the upper house on Monday night, with one strengthening parliaments hand if it rejects the final Brexit deal.
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