Starmer Plans EU Rule Adoption via Secondary Legislation

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government plans to introduce legislation that would allow the UK to adopt new EU single market rules through secondary legislation, bypassing full parliamentary scrutiny. According to multiple reports, this measure aims to reduce trade barriers and align with European regulations in areas such as food standards.

The proposed bill, expected before summer, enables 'dynamic alignment' with EU rules where deals have been signed. This approach allows new EU regulations to be implemented using secondary legislation, which typically cannot be amended and is often rubber-stamped without a vote. Labour sources say this would lower business costs and eliminate what they call the 'Brexit paperwork tax.' The government maintains that while new treaties or deals with the EU will face parliamentary scrutiny, secondary legislation will approve new EU laws required under those deals.

Critics argue this could amount to 'integration with the EU by stealth' without voting rights that come with membership. The Conservatives and Reform UK strongly oppose the move, with Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith criticizing it as reducing Parliament to 'a spectator while Brussels sets the terms.' Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, vowed to oppose the legislation 'every step of the way,' calling it a 'backdoor attempt to drag Britain back under EU control.'

The bill is part of Labour's effort to reset the UK's relationship with the EU. Prime Minister Starmer defended the plans on BBC radio, stating that closer ties with Europe are in the UK’s best interest, particularly given global instability. He argued that nearly 10 years after the Brexit referendum, it is time to 'look forward.' The proposed legislation aims to make trade easier and reduce burdens for businesses.

EU officials push for a financial contribution from the UK in exchange for adopting their rules. The proposed agreement would establish a permanent mechanism for an appropriate financial contribution towards reducing economic disparities within the EU, reflecting the relative size of the UK's economy. Critics warn this approach could tie Britain to one of the most risk-averse regulatory regimes on the planet.

UK's minister for EU relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, told BBC that the UK is adopting an 'ambitious' and 'ruthlessly pragmatic' approach to becoming closer to its European neighbours in sectors of national interest. He believes public support for closer ties has grown due to geopolitical instability.

The government insists all agreements respect Brexit red lines, avoiding re-entry into the EU or its single market. However, opposition leaders argue aligning with EU rules makes the UK a 'rule taker' rather than a 'rule maker,' contradicting Brexit promises of taking back control from Brussels.

New polling reveals growing public support for closer ties with the EU, with 53% of Britons now supporting rejoining the European Union entirely. The research by Best for Britain shows particularly strong support among Labour (83%), Liberal Democrat (84%), and Green party (82%) voters. Even within Conservative and Reform UK supporter bases, there is significant minority backing for EU rejoinment.

Experts warn that Labour's current approach risks losing progressive voter support in key constituencies. The polling also highlights potential political challenges if Labour were to pursue rejoining the customs union and single market, which would require extensive public conversation about sovereignty and regulatory outsourcing.

Former senior civil servant Philip Rycroft, who led the Brexit department, has argued that Britain should start talking about rejoining the EU. He stated that economic analysis suggests a significant hit to GDP as a result of leaving the single market. Rycroft also highlighted that promises made by the Brexit campaign on economics and immigration have not lived up to expectations.

Rycroft's comments align with a growing sentiment within Labour that the party should be bolder in pursuing closer ties or rejoining the EU. Some cabinet ministers want Starmer to push harder for joining a customs union or the single market, although these remain red lines for the government as it seeks a stronger post-Brexit relationship with the EU.

Concerns were raised at the European parliament regarding the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens in Europe post-Brexit. Issues include children born to EU citizens in the UK who may face NHS charges or employability questions due to not applying for settled status. The Home Office was criticized for ending funding for charities assisting vulnerable EU citizens with late applications for settlement.

British in Europe, a grassroots coalition advocating for British citizens living in the EU, highlighted their lack of funding from the UK government despite being key interlocutors with the European Commission on Brexit. The UK government defended its decision to stop funding, citing significantly fewer applications and alternative forms of support available.