David Davis tries to calm fears over a customs union reversal

For those Brexiteers worried the government may change its mind on leaving the customs union, David Davis’s appearance in front of a select committee gave reasons for reassurance – but also possibly some cause to worry.

The Brexit secretary was clear that he is sticking firmly to his guns on the issue. But can he – and the government – continue to do so under pressure from MPs who are seeking to keep Britain inside the customs union? Hilary Benn asked Davis what would happen if the vote in Parliament on the Brexit trade bill went against the government. Here’s what Davis had to say:

Benn: You have emphatically rejected remaining in a customs union, but when the trade bill returns to the house the house will vote on whether it wishes to adopt a different policy i.e. to remain in a customs union. If that’s carried, you are going to have to change your policy, aren’t you? Davis: I’m not going to enter into hypotheticals on what the House may or may not do.