THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS will force a vote in Parliament this week calling for the UK to begin negotiations on a new customs union with the European Union, stepping up pressure on the Labour government to soften its stance on Europe.

The move follows growing speculation of internal disagreements within the Labour cabinet over how far the UK should go in rebuilding economic ties with the EU. Ministers have repeatedly ruled out rejoining the single market or customs union, but pressure is mounting amid concerns over sluggish growth and rising taxes.

Ten Minute Rule Bill to be presented

Liberal Democrat Europe spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP will introduce a Ten Minute Rule Bill proposing that the UK formally open talks with Brussels on establishing a fresh customs union. The vote comes just two weeks after the UK Government’s budget, which included warnings about continuing economic headwinds.

The party says the financial case for improving trade arrangements is now overwhelming. Research by the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the Liberal Democrats, suggests the UK is losing around £250m a day in tax revenue as a result of Brexit’s economic impact. A separate analysis estimates that a more ambitious trade deal with the EU could bring in an additional £25bn a year for the Treasury.

Welsh businesses among hardest hit

Welsh firms have been particularly affected by post-Brexit trading disruption. A report published over the summer indicated that exports from Wales to the EU fell by around 31% between 2019 and 2024, while imports from the EU to Wales dropped by 20%.

The Liberal Democrats argue that a renewed customs agreement could also give greater protection to Welsh industries vulnerable to international market pressures, including steel. The party has suggested that closer alignment with Europe could help shield the sector from the impact of US tariffs and steel dumping by China.

‘The biggest lever to boost the Welsh economy’

Welsh Liberal Democrat Westminster spokesperson David Chadwick MP said the government could not continue to “bury its head in the sand” over Brexit’s economic consequences.

“The Chancellor has admitted the damage Brexit has done to our economy, including burying Welsh businesses in mountains of red tape, yet the government is refusing to take the steps needed to fix it,” he said.

“A customs union with the EU is the single biggest lever this government could pull to turbocharge the Welsh economy. We will work with MPs across Parliament who want a closer trading relationship with Europe, to cut red tape, boost growth, and properly fund our public services.”

The bill is unlikely to become law, but the vote is expected to increase political pressure on the government as debate intensifies over the future of UK–EU relations.

A PROPOSAL to increase Pembrokeshire council rents, which was condemned when it was expected to be solely made by a small number of senior councillors, will now be made by full council next week.

A report for members Pembrokeshire County Council’s November meeting of the Policy and Pre-Decision Overview and Scrutiny Committee outlined the current council rents background, with various rents increases proposed for 2026-’27, a final decision expected to be made by Cabinet in December.

A report for members highlighted the options for Pembrokeshire Council housing stock for 2026-2027 against the backdrop of the Welsh Government’s Rent and Service Charge Standard 2026-2026 and HRA Business Plan impacts, with a favoured 4.3 per cent inflation plus up to £5 for those below standard rates (a maximum of £5 subsequent increase).

“The reason that the current Standard is difficult for the Authority is due to there being 2,192 (37.32 per cent) tenants paying less that the Pembrokeshire Standard rent for the size of property that they live in (out of a total 5,874),” the report said.

It added: “It is estimated that this equates to lost income of £679,101 per annum for the HRA account which over the lifetime of the HRA Business Plan is £20.8m excluding consequential inflationary increases. Whilst there has been some success at moving some properties up to PCC Standard Rent through the following measures, due to 37 per cent of the rents being beneath Standard Rent there is still a long way to go.”

Cabinet member for housing, Cllr Michelle Bateman, presenting the item, had said the decision would be made by Cabinet rather than the report’s suggestion of full council.

Cllr Mike Stoddart said he was “appalled” the decision would be made by senior councillors only.

“I’m disappointed to hear these rent increases have been taken out of the hands of members and into the hands of Cabinet, it’s always been a council function,” adding: “The idea we shouldn’t have any say is a disgrace in my opinion.”

Following that meeting, a report was brought before the December meeting of the council’s Cabinet, with a recommendation now that the report to Cabinet would take the form of a recommendation for full council, which meets on December 12.

Members of Cabinet backed the recommendations in the report.

Amongst the recommendations from Cabinet are that Standard Rents be increased by 3.6 per cent plus up to £2.55 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent, and a 4.3 per cent rent increase plus up to £5 per individual rent that is currently below Standard Rent.

PLANS to bring at-risk historic Pembrokeshire buildings, one of which may once have housed otter hounds for a nearby mansion, back to use as homes have been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management commit, along with a related listed building consent also recommended for approval, Mr and Mrs JPH and MHH Roberts, through agent Harries Planning Design Management, sought permission for the conversion of Grade-II-listed outbuildings into three dwellings at Llwyngwair Home Farm, Newport.

A report for members said: “The proposed scheme is in keeping with the character of the listed buildings, and their setting in terms of design and form and the application can be supported subject to conditions.”

It added: “The site comprises a complex of existing agricultural outbuildings including two Grade-II-Listed Buildings immediately south-east of Llwyngwair Mansion and just south-west of the Llwyngwair Home Farm.

“The buildings originally comprised coach housing and stabling for the mansion (facing the old back drive) with the buildings later used in conjunction with the more modern home farm when the mansion and grounds were redeveloped as hotel and caravan site.

“The buildings are on the authority’s Buildings at Risk Register as many of the original fixtures were removed and some openings altered, and the buildings are in varying states of condition.”

It went on to say: “Supporting information has been provided which demonstrates that the cost of conversion alongside a financial contribution for affordable housing would make the scheme unviable.

“The authority considers that in this instance the value of delivering a conversion scheme which will ensure the preservation and restoration of the listed buildings, is a significant material consideration which in this instance outweighs the need for a financial contribution.”

Members heard some two years had been spent in preparing the application for the buildings, one of which may once have been used as a kennel for housing otter hounds.

The committee heard some 70 trees, many of low value and some suffering ash dieback, would be removed but there would be “three-to-one” replanting, including hedge planting.

Moving approval, Cllr Di Clements said: “It’s absolutely no mean feat to take on this project, it’s important we recognise that, especially to save these gorgeous buildings.”

She was seconded by Cllr Steve Alderman, who said: “What a wonderful project this sems to me; I look forward to seeing it completed.”

Authority member Dr Madeleine Havard said the scheme was “enabling nature to continue to have its space whilst allowing people to be able to live somewhere, and also preserving an historic building”.

The application, and the related listed building consent, was overwhelmingly backed by members.