Nigel Farage and Reform UK have pledged to reverse what they describe as a “betrayal” of Brexit, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting criticism over plans to align UK regulations more closely with Brussels through secondary legislation.
The row centres on proposals expected to feature in the King’s Speech on May 13, which would give ministers the power to “dynamically align” UK rules with those of the European Union in order to secure smoother access to the single market.
Under the plans, new regulations influenced by Brussels could be approved by MPs, but Parliament would not be able to amend them—only accept or reject them in full. Critics argue this significantly weakens parliamentary scrutiny and shifts law-making power away from Westminster.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, condemned the proposals as an “outrageous” reversal of Brexit and vowed to scrap them if his party enters government.
His deputy, Richard Tice, accused Labour of attempting to push through a “sell-out” of Brexit without proper parliamentary oversight, arguing that the measures would effectively bind the UK to EU regulation without full democratic control.
The government insists the approach is designed to reduce trade friction by ensuring regulatory alignment with the EU single market, which remains Britain’s largest trading partner. However, opponents say it risks recreating elements of EU membership by stealth.
Sir Keir Starmer is also expected to pursue a broader “reset” with Brussels, including a summit around June 23 to formalise areas of closer cooperation, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Brexit referendum.
He has previously said he is “ambitious” about deepening economic cooperation with the EU, while maintaining that Labour does not support rejoining the single market.
However, EU officials have indicated that greater market access could come with financial contributions to the cohesion funds, which are designed to support poorer regions within member states.
The proposals are expected to be controversial within Parliament, with critics warning that the use of so-called Henry VIII powers and secondary legislation could significantly reduce parliamentary oversight over future UK-EU regulatory alignment.
A government spokesman said: “The Bill will go through Parliament in the normal way.
“Any new treaties or deals with the EU will also face parliamentary scrutiny, and Parliament will have a role in approving new EU laws required under those deals via secondary legislation.
“This will allow us to deliver a food and drink trade deal worth £5.1billion a year, backing British jobs and slashing costly red tape for our farmers, producers and businesses.”
Leave a Comment