Lib Dem Bill to get a better trade deal through a UK-EU customs union passes despite Tulip Siddiq failing to back it.

However, Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for Hampstead and Highgate, Katie Mansfield, has said she’s deeply disappointed in Tulip Siddiq for not supporting the Bill. 
The Bill, tabled by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament, aimed to pave the way for the UK to start negotiations with the EU on a new customs union. 
Estimates, reported in The Guardian, suggest that a UK-EU customs union could deliver more than £25 billion a year to the Exchequer by reducing red-tape and unlocking the potential of British businesses.
The Liberal Democrats have argued that a new UK-EU customs union would lower trade barriers, cut red tape for Hampstead and Highgate’s businesses, and put money back into residents’ pockets.
The Bill passed by a majority of 1 vote. The vote breakdown was 100 in favour, 100 against – with the Deputy Speaker casting the deciding vote in favour. 
13 Labour backbenchers voted with the Liberal Democrats in favour of negotiating a customs union with the EU. Local MP Tulip Siddiq abstained on the Bill.
Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said the vote sets a crucial Parliamentary precedent for movement on a deeper trading relationship with Europe.

Lib Dem Spokesperson for Hampstead and Highgate, Katie Mansfield said:
“It is deeply disappointing that our local MP has failed to back a plan that would help people with the cost-of-living crisis locally.
“However, I am delighted to see the Liberal Democrats in Parliament win this vote. A closer relationship with Europe will boost our economy nationally and cut the cost-of-living crisis we’re seeing get worse. 
“For years, people in Hampstead and Highgate have been hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. Today Tulip Siddiq had a chance to fix that problem, but instead she sat on her hands. 
“Only the Liberal Democrats are fighting to tackle the issues our economy faces, while Labour just keep letting us down.”

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey MP added: 
“This was a historic victory for the Liberal Democrats – winning a vote in Parliament to finally end the economic nightmare of the Conservatives' broken Brexit deal.
“Across the country, people are crying out for real change and a solution to the cost-of-living crisis. A customs union with the EU is the single biggest step the government could take to grow our economy, put money back into people's pockets and generate billions for our public services.
“The Prime Minister must now listen to Parliament and the public, drop his self-imposed red lines and finally go for proper growth through an ambitious trade deal with the EU."

Notes to editor:
Full vote breakdown can be viewed here.