What will be the consequences for Boris Johnson and Brexit if MPs vote for a customs union?

The PM may have to abandon plans to implement his Brexit deal if MPs demand a closer future relationship with the EU, writes Benjamin Kentish

The PM is navigating a parliamentary minefield to try to win approval for the withdrawal bill (AP)

It was a case of so near and yet so far for Boris Johnson, who on Saturday came within 16 votes of defeating an attempt to delay a “meaningful vote” on his Brexit deal.

The prime minister would have had visions of MPs finally approving an exit agreement, showering him in glory and almost certainly allowing him to fulfil his “do or die” promise to take the UK out of the EU on 31 October.

Instead, the Commons backed an amendment tabled by former Tory MP Sir Oliver Letwin that will delay a vote on the actual deal until the legislation implementing the agreement has completed its passage through parliament.