South London support for Lib Dem bill that rings the Bell on Brexit insanity

Clapham and Brixton Hill MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy this week led a trio of South London Labour MPs to help push through a Liberal Democrat Ten Minute Rule Bill calling for the UK to rejoin a customs union with the EU.

The bill, introduced by Lib Dem Europe Spokesperson Al Pinkerton MP, passed by the narrowest possible margin: a 100–100 tie, broken only by the Deputy Speaker’s casting vote. It was supported by just thirteen Labour MPs, including three from South London: Marsha de Cordova (Battersea), and Fleur Anderson (Putney) and Ribeiro-Addy.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey described the bill as a vital step to reversing the UK’s economic decline saying:

“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.”

Meanwhile councillor Donna Harris leader of Lambeth’s Liberal Democrats told the Buzz that the damage of Brexit is still being felt daily across the borough:

“Brexit has hit Lambeth hard, from falling household incomes to the pressure it’s placed on young people and local businesses, many of whom feel robbed of the right to live, work, study, and travel freely across Europe. My own son has been profoundly affected, just as countless young people have had their futures restricted and their opportunities taken away. That’s why this Bill matters, it’s a vital first step in undoing the damage and ending the madness of self-imposed barriers holding our communities back.” – Cllr Donna Harris

Support for the customs union bill reflects the growing demand for economic repair across the capital. In July, Lambeth Council warned that Brexit was one of the key pressures behind its worsening £60 million budget shortfall, triggering emergency cuts and a freeze on non‑essential spending. A Greater London Authority report found Brexit has cost London £32 billion in lost growth, equal to around £9,500 per household through reduced trade and investment.

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Well done to the Lib Dems for proposing this Bill, and credit to the Labour, Green and other MPs who backed this first step toward undoing the economic catastrophe of Brexit. It’s staggering that the vote scraped through by a single margin, 100 to 100 – passed only on the Deputy Speaker’s casting vote. So where were Lambeth’s three other Labour MPs? Steve Reed, Helen Hayes and Florence Eshalomi who all abstained.

In a borough that recorded the strongest Remain vote in the entire UK, I’m baffled. Whether it was party loyalty, quiet calculation, or some rare form of Westminster nonchalance – I’m really baffled. Everyday people across Lambeth and across the country are still feeling the price of Brexit in their pockets. This was a moment to step up. And they didn’t.

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