The Liberal Democrats are forcing a vote in parliament on creating a new customs union to put pressure on Labour MPs to take a more pro-EU stance.

Ed Davey’s party is writing to all Labour MPs urging them to back a new bill in favour of a customs union with the EU, believing this is the best way to boost growth and raise revenue, rather than tax rises.

The bill, tabled by Al Pinkerton, the Lib Dem spokesperson on Europe, will be voted on by MPs in early December, two weeks after the budget. It is largely symbolic and not likely to pass because it does not have government support.

However, the Lib Dems are hoping to demonstrate support among pro-EU MPs for the idea of a new customs union.

The letter highlights recent analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research which found

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