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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir Starmer is planning legislation to allow the UK to follow EU rules without giving MPs a full vote each time. A new law would enable single market rules to be adopted through secondary legislation.
That is likely to mean new rules being rubber stamped by MPs as Parliament can either approve or reject secondary legislation but cannot amend it. The UK-EU reset legislation enabling the use of the so-called Henry VIII powers is expected to be unveiled in the King’s Speech next month.
But the plans have come under heavy criticism from the Tories and Reform UK.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: “Parliament reduced to a spectator while Brussels sets the terms is exactly what the country rejected.
“Labour’s dire management of the economy has driven Starmer scurrying to Brussels to distract from his own failings.
“Labour are still fighting the referendum because they fundamentally cannot accept the democratic decision the British people made.
“We should be seizing the opportunities of Brexit, however, Starmer’s weakness on the world stage has made this near-impossible.”
Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice branded the plan “outrageous” and insisted his party would “reverse such a betrayal” if it won power.
The Prime Minister, an arch-Remainer in the 2016 referendum, said the changes will only come into force if Parliament passes the legislation.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We’re in a world where there’s massive conflict, great uncertainty, and I strongly believe that the UK’s best interests are in a stronger, closer relationship with Europe, whether that’s defence and security… energy, inevitably, and also, our economy.”
Sir Keir added that the legislation will make trade easier, reducing “burdens” on businesses and lowering prices.
He said: “A stronger, closer relationship with Europe is in the UK’s best interest, particularly in a world that is as volatile as it is at the moment, and I know that worries a lot of people.”