UK could adopt EU single market rules under new legislation

Plans to allow the UK government to implement EU single market regulations without requiring parliamentary approval have been proposed by Sir Keir Starmer. The initiative is part of a broader legislative effort to harmonize UK standards with those of the European Union, particularly in sectors like food safety. A Labour representative informed the BBC that this approach would “cut administrative costs for businesses and eliminate the Brexit paperwork burden that increases the price of everyday groceries.”

The proposed bill aims to streamline the process of aligning with European norms, enabling “dynamic alignment” in areas where agreements have already been reached. This would allow Brussels-approved rules to be integrated into UK law through secondary legislation, which typically lacks the same level of debate as primary legislation. Such a mechanism would reduce the need for full parliamentary scrutiny, as rules would be enacted with minimal amendments.

“The bill will proceed through parliament in the usual manner. All new EU treaties and deals will also be subject to parliamentary review, with the House playing a key role in endorsing new regulations via secondary legislation,” stated a government spokesperson.

While Labour has historically opposed rejoining the EU single market or customs union, the new legislation could see the UK incorporate certain European regulations through bilateral agreements. The plan is designed to “facilitate a trade deal in food and drink worth £5.1bn annually, supporting British employment and reducing bureaucratic hurdles for producers,” according to a Labour source.

Conservative and Reform UK leaders have expressed strong reservations. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith warned that the measure would “transform Parliament into a passive observer as Brussels dictates the terms.” Nigel Farage, Reform UK’s leader, criticized the legislation as a “stealth strategy to reassert EU dominance over Britain,” calling it a “backdoor” method of reintegration.

Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson emphasized the importance of maintaining a balance between closer European ties and parliamentary accountability. “We need a stronger partnership with Europe, but we also need to ensure democratic oversight,” she stated during an interview with the BBC’s Westminster Hour.

With an upcoming UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year, the two sides are set to finalise agreements on topics such as fisheries, trade, defense, and energy. Sir Keir noted that this summit will not only confirm previous commitments but also push forward with more comprehensive objectives than last year’s discussions.