The former Chief of Staff to the UK Prime Minister has warned that staying in the EU customs union after Brexit will endanger the prospect of other trade opportunities. Nick Timothy writes that staying in would restrict the UK's freedom to negotiate agreements with other countries, and cites the example of countries such as Norway, which is in the single market but has remained outside the customs union. Mr Timothy, who was a member of Theresa May's policy unit during her time at Number 10, said he had been "shocked" by Mrs May when she announced last week that Britain wanted to remain inside
The former Chief of Staff to the UK Prime Minister has warned that staying in the EU customs union after Brexit will endanger the prospect of other trade opportunities. Nick Timothy writes that staying in would restrict the UK's freedom to negotiate agreements with other countries, and cites the example of countries such as Norway, which is in the single market but has remained outside the customs union. However, he argues that to maintain tariff-free trade with the EU and avoid non-tariff barriers, a "close customs partnership" will be required with regulatory co-operation and a comprehensive trade agreement.