Starmer’s Brexit betrayal set to hammer thousands of UK businesses | Politics | News
Keir Starmer in Denmark (Image: Getty)
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The Government said thousands of firms will have to prepare for the changes even if they do not trade with the Bloc or have started prioritising commerce with other parts of the world.
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John Longworth, chairman of the Independent Business Network and former boss of the British Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is an absolute disaster.
“The whole concept that the Government is following at the moment is a betrayal of the democratic decision on Brexit, without a mandate to do it.
“It’s actually disastrous for businesses as well. It’s appalling because we’re applying EU rules and regulations to 100% of businesses, even though only 8% actually export to Europe.
“It’s just another burden of red tape loaded onto businesses, which at the moment are already reducing employment because the cost of running businesses is soaring.
“Whereas 8% of businesses export to the EU, 14% of businesses export to the rest of the world, and the majority of trade now is with the rest of the world and not the EU, and so this just makes us less competitive in world markets.”
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The deal, known as “dynamic alignment” in Brussels, means handing oversight of trade in food and agricultural products back to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) and effectively becoming a rule-taker – even over future new regulations.
The newly announced changes are set to be in force from mid-2027.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mark Francois, Chairman of the European Research Group of Tory MPs, said: “So-called ‘dynamic alignment’ is just code for becoming a rule taker from Brussels again, regardless of the wishes of our own Parliament.
“What did we have a referendum for, if it was only to be sold down the river by Starmer on this?
“Regardless of the adverse effects on British small businesses, Starmer is still a passionate Europhile – and always will be.”
The Daily Express has launched a crusade called Give Us a Proper Brexit as Keir Starmer undoes the will of the nation by aligning Britain closer to the EU.
While negotiations continue, businesses can take practical steps to “get ready” from now, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds added: โWe are resetting our relationship with the EU, our closest and largest trading
โWe are talking about real businesses, real employers: the Somerset cheesemaker with export trade halved, the Welsh shellfish trader turning down orders because their catch isn’t fresh by the time the paperwork is done, the Scottish farmer who can no longer sell seed potatoes to customers they’ve supplied for decades.
โBy reducing delays and unnecessary paperwork, this deal will help keep shelves stocked, protect jobs and put downward pressure on food price inflation for families across the country.
โBritish businesses deserve better, and we will work hand-in-hand with them to ensure this deal is a success.โ
