Brexit Hardliners put new obstacles in May's path

The group of deputies led by Jacob Rees-Mogg made several changes to a customs law that calls into question Mays Brexit's compromise. Among other things, the UK government should now ensure that all EU members receive UK import duties on goods coming from third countries destined for the British market after Brexit. Since Britain should also levy tariffs on behalf of the EU, one could expect the same from the partners, Rees-Mogg argued in the lower house.

Europeans will never accept that, and May knows it, but she gave in to the request because she did not want to risk a rebellion. The Brexiters would otherwise have voted against the Customs Act and rekindled the debate over May's authority. With the blessing of the Prime Minister, the amendment was pbaded with a very small margin of 305 to 302 votes.

The new red line makes an agreement in Brussels more difficult. Europeans have not yet formally commented on the white paper, but the proposed customs model has not generated enthusiasm up to here.

May did not win anything, with her looping she finally sent a domestic message of weakness. Pro-European parliamentarians were outraged when the head of government moved away from Rees-Mogg and his people. "It's crazy," said Conservative MP Anna Soubry. "This government lost its head." And she asked, "Who is responsible here? Who's running Britain? Is it the Prime Minister, or the Somerset MP?

Rapid Solutions to the White Paper

In fact, it is remarkable to see how quickly May had to repair her laboriously found Brexit compromise. The White Paper is only five days old. This is London's first concrete proposal for future trade relations with the EU. But before the Europeans can even badyze and comment on the 98 pages, the document in the UK is again debated.

There could be no question of the government taking a position on Thursday and having already revoked it on Monday, said MP Kirsty Blackman of the Scottish National SNP Party. "How should companies plan on this basis?"

The Workers' Opposition asked Britain to remain permanently in the customs union, as the May Customs model was inapplicable. Several Conservatives supported this. However, the motion was rejected with the votes of the Conservatives and the DUP of Northern Ireland.

The customs debate showed once again how much the lower house is divided in the Brexit question. The compromise proposed by May in the white paper does not satisfy any side. The Labor opposition would like to stay closer to the EU. And conservative supporters of Rees-Mogg have launched a thousand-pin campaign to get May back on track.

Renewal of resignations

Since last week, nine government members have resigned to protest the government's new Brexit course. It all started with Brexit Minister David Davis and Foreign Minister Boris Johnson. On Monday, another state secretary withdrew, this time to protest against May's closure in front of Rees-Mogg.

For Europeans, the situation remains confused. We do not know how many compromises May can survive. The situation in Westminster is so volatile that the government wants to make an application Tuesday for a summer parliamentary break a few days in advance. Then, MPs could be sent on vacation this week and calm their minds for the moment.