Political commentator James Forsyth warned the UK’s push for its Brexit Internal Market Bill could result in repercussions from EU member states. While speaking on Spectator TV, Mr Forsyth claimed France’s President Emmanuel Macron could cause delays at Calais to prove a point. As a retaliation move, Mr Macron could demand that all lorries entering to and from the UK are checked instead of checks based on intelligence.

“If the French decide to inspect every lorry at Calais there are going to be significant delays.

“If France decides to operate fairly pragmatically, wave things through and only check things based on intelligence then things might run much more smoothly.”

Mr Forsyth also reflected on the consequences of a complete breakdown of the Brexit trade deal talks.

He said: “If the talks break down in total acrimony it is hard to imagine the EU will be particularly inclined to take a pragmatic view.

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“We will take action to preserve the integrity of the UK in those circumstances.”

The Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons by 340 votes to 263, a majority of 77 on Monday.

However, there was a list of significant Brexiteers and Tory MPs who abstained from voting.