Responding to the government’s Trade and Customs papers today, which confirms plans to leave the customs union during a transition period, Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson Tom Brake said:

“The government’s plans to leave the customs union during the transition period are both unnecessary and unrealistic.

“This fudge has been dreamt up so Liam Fox can jet around the world trying to negotiate trade deals.

“Making these half-baked demands only increases business uncertainty and the chances of a disastrous ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“It seems Liam Fox is prepared to sacrifice British jobs so he can keep his own.

“Theresa May should admit that, with just 18 months to go, the best option for the UK economy is to stay a full member of the customs union and the single market.”