Downing Street ruled against belonging to a customs union with the European Union on Sunday, creating fears among those who were hoping for a close relationship with the EU post-Brexit.
Confusion remained rife over the possibility of remaining in the customs union following Brexit. When asked last week over the possibilities, May said: “What I want to do is ensure that we have got the best possible trade arrangements with China and with other countries around the world.”
The decision to rule out involvement in a customs union with the EU has led to anger among many remainers.
Labour chair of the Brexit committee, Hilary Benn, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the move was “a profound mistake”.
“I wish [Downing Street’s statement] was clarity but I don’t think it is,” he said. “I think the government is in a state of open disagreement. The prime minister has been immobilised. We’re 19 months since the referendum … and we still don’t know what it is we want.”
Benn went on to say how this decision would harm the economy and risk the peace process in Ireland.
Not all oppose the Prime Minister’s decision. Priti Patel, the former international development secretary, said that constant challenges to Theresa May’s decision making should stop.
“She is our prime minister and that’s not going to change, full stop,” she said on ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
“That is the discussion that is taking place this week at cabinet. The reality is, having alignment with the European Union on a customs arrangement is so far away from what the British public voted for, that that is what has to be delivered.”
Theresa May spent three days in China last week where she signed trade deals of up to £9 billion.
UK-China trade is currently worth a £59 billion a year but May hopes to rely on the Chinese for trade further post-Brexit.