POLL: Should Keir Starmer be allowed to align UK with EU rules without MPs voting? | Politics | News


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: โ€œParliament reduced to a spectator while Brussels sets the terms is exactly what the country rejected.

โ€œLabourโ€™s dire management of the economy has driven Starmer scurrying to Brussels to distract from his own failings.

โ€œLabour are still fighting the referendum because they fundamentally cannot accept the democratic decision the British people made.

โ€œWe should be seizing the opportunities of Brexit, however, Starmerโ€™s weakness on the world stage has made this near-impossible.โ€

Reform’s deputy leader Richard Tice branded the plan โ€œoutrageousโ€ and insisted his party would โ€œreverse such a betrayalโ€ 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: โ€œWeโ€™re in a world where thereโ€™s massive conflict, great uncertainty, and I strongly believe that the UKโ€™s best interests are in a stronger, closer relationship with Europe, whether thatโ€™s defence and securityโ€ฆ energy, inevitably, and also, our economy.โ€

Sir Keir added that the legislation will make trade easier, reducing โ€œburdensโ€ on businesses and lowering prices.

He said: โ€œA stronger, closer relationship with Europe is in the UKโ€™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.”

Leave comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.