A West Somerset MP has criticised Labour after the party blocked a move to reopen talks on a new customs union with the EU.
Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said establishing a customs union would be the "vital first step" to support businesses and cut red tape.
However, an amendment to the King’s Speech from her party, calling for negotiations on a closer trading relationship with the EU, was voted down by 301 Labour MPs.
Ms Gilmour said: "This was a make-or-break moment for Labour MPs, especially those considering running to lead their party.
"Actions speak louder than words.
"Anyone in the Labour Party who is serious about changing direction and offering people hope again should have backed this amendment.
"We cannot solve the cost-of-living crisis without repairing the damage done by Nigel Farage and the Conservatives' terrible Brexit deal."
She said that rural communities were continuing to feel the consequences of Brexit and changes to farming support.
Miss Gilmour added: "After the botched Brexit deal and the staggering mismanagement of the ELMs scheme, farmers and rural businesses across Devon and Somerset have spent years dealing with red tape and lost access to European trading markets.
"A customs union with the EU is the vital first step to cutting red tape, boosting businesses and turbocharging the economy."
She repeated her long-term view that the UK should seek to rejoin the EU.
Ms Gilmour said: "This amendment was the first step on that road, towards a better relationship with Europe and, in the long term, back towards EU membership.
"Whilst Labour leadership hopefuls jostle for position, Liberal Democrats in Parliament are actually working for what people across the country and my constituency, Tiverton and Minehead need - a better working relationship with Europe, to help tackle the cost of living and get businesses growing again."
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