The UK is seeking to improve diplomatic and economic ties with the EU after the ‘reset’ deal was announced last May. In a significant development, ministers are planning to reshape Britain’s relationship with the EU through new legislation that could allow the UK to sign up to EU single market rules without a parliamentary vote.
The proposed bill will enable the UK to swiftly implement evolving single market rules if deemed in the national interest. This move is facilitated by so-called Henry VIII powers, which allow ministers to approve laws without full parliamentary scrutiny using secondary legislation.
While Parliament can either approve or reject this secondary legislation, it cannot amend it. The introduction of these sweeping powers is likely to put the government on a collision course with opposition parties, who have raised concerns about the implications for parliamentary oversight.
Critics argue that this approach could amount to ‘integration with the EU by stealth.’ Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith stated, “Parliament reduced to a spectator while Brussels sets the terms is exactly what the country rejected.”
The government, however, claims that the move will cut red tape and costs for businesses. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that Brexit will reduce long-run productivity by 4% and decrease exports and imports by 15% compared to remaining in the EU.
The EU remains the UK’s largest trading market, with nearly half of total trade in 2024 projected to be with EU countries. The government is currently negotiating deals on food and drink and emissions trading as part of the new legislation, which is expected to be introduced before the summer of 2026.
Prof Anand Menon commented on the situation, stating, “The reality of this is we are signing up to a deal with the European Union that commits us to follow their rules, whether we like it or not.”
As discussions continue, officials and observers are closely monitoring the situation to assess the potential impacts on trade and parliamentary democracy. The government maintains that it will ensure Parliament has a role in new deals and on new EU laws applying under those agreements.
