UK justice minister underscores need to 'look closely' on customs union demand

British Prime Minister Theresa May would have to look closely at pursuing a customs union with the European Union if parliament votes for it, justice minister David Gauke said on Sunday. Parliament is due to hold a second round of votes on alternative Brexit options on Monday. In the first round, the idea of seeking a customs union with the European Union was one of the most popular options, although it fell just short of a majority.

Asked by BBC TV whether May would have to go back to the EU and negotiate for a customs union if parliament voted for it, Gauke said: "I think she would need to look very closely at that." "If parliament is voting overwhelmingly against leaving the European Union without a deal but is voting in favour of a softer Brexit, then I don't think it is sustainable to say we will ignore parliament's position and leave without a deal." Gauke also said May's three-times defeated deal was not dead and was still one of the options open to lawmakers.