Chancellor refuses to rule out post-Brexit customs union with EU

Chancellor Philip Hammond has refused to rule out Britain being part of a customs union with the European Union after Brexit.

The Remain supporter, whose opposition to a hard exit from the bloc has angered some of his colleagues, left the door open to the UK signing up to an agreement that could restrict international trade deals.

MPs called on the Cabinet to urgently come to a decision about the key element of the upcoming negotiations with Brussels.

Mr Hammond was asked by the Treasury select committee to "explicitly rule out the UK participating in a customs union with the EU as part of its end-state relationship".

The Chancellor sidestepped the question and insisted the Government would be "guided by what delivers the greatest economic advantage" to the UK.

A customs union would curb the need for border checks but could also restrict the trade agreements the UK could seek outside it.

Nicky Morgan, who chairs the Treasury select committee, said: "It was widely thought that being in a long-term customs union with the EU had been ruled out by the Government.

"But the Chancellor's letter confirms that this is not the case.

"It is vital that the Cabinet reach agreement on these central questions about the UK's future relationship with the EU, as a matter of urgency."

The Liberal Democrats said breaking up the customs union would be complex.

Leader Sir Vince Cable added: "This offers some reassurance that the Chancellor does understand the economic advantages of being part of a customs union with the EU. "