UK Plans Legislation for EU Rule Alignment

Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government is planning legislation that would allow the UK to adopt EU single market rules through secondary legislation, bypassing full parliamentary scrutiny. According to BBC News, this measure aims to reduce trade barriers and align with European regulations in areas such as food standards.

The proposed bill, expected to be introduced before summer according to The Guardian, would enable the government to 'dynamically align' with EU rules where deals have already been signed. This means new EU regulations could be implemented using secondary legislation, which typically cannot be amended and is often rubber-stamped without a vote.

Labour sources told BBC News that the measure would lower costs for businesses and eliminate what they call the 'Brexit paperwork tax.' The government spokesperson emphasized that while new treaties or deals with the EU will face parliamentary scrutiny, secondary legislation will be used to approve new EU laws required under those deals. This approach is expected to deliver a food and drink trade deal worth £5.1bn annually, according to Daily Mail.

The plans have provoked strong opposition from the Conservatives and Reform UK. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith criticized the move, stating that it would reduce 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.' Critics argue that this could amount to 'integration with the EU by stealth' without the voting rights that come with membership.

The bill is part of Labour's effort to reset the UK's relationship with the EU, following last May's summit where both sides agreed to a strategic partnership aimed at closer ties. The government maintains that Parliament will play its full constitutional role in scrutinizing and shaping the legislation, emphasizing that it will not break red lines on rejoining the customs union or single market.

As reported by The Guardian, ministers argue that the move is necessary to cut red tape and costs for businesses, promoting trade without breaking government red lines. However, critics like Professor Anand Menon of UK in a Changing Europe think-tank warn about the potential dangers of integrating with the EU by stealth.