LONDON (AP) — British lawmakers are pressing the government to change course and keep the U.K. in a customs union with the European Union after Brexit.

In a symbolic move, the House of Commons has called for an "effective customs union" with the bloc.

The motion is non-binding, and many pro-Brexit lawmakers skipped Thursday's debate. But it adds to pressure on the government to sort out Britain's future economic relationship with the EU.

The Conservative government insists Britain will leave the EU's customs union after it quits the bloc next year. But many businesses want to retain a customs union to avoid tariffs and border checks.

Britain also has promised there will be no customs posts or other checks on the border between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland after Brexit.