Keir Starmer resets Brexit 'single market rules' with new law to bring UK closer to EU

Keir Starmer resets Brexit 'single market rules' with new law to bring UK closer to EU As part of the Prime Minister’s reset with Brussels, the Government will seek to pass a new law which would allow single market rules to be adopted quickly if in the UK's interests.CommentsNewsSophie Huskisson Political Correspondent10:46, 13 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesKeir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a press conference in London last year(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Keir Starmer has defended plans to allow the UK to follow European Union rules without necessarily giving MPs a vote on each piece of red tape.‌As part of the Prime Minister’s reset with Brussels, the Government will seek to pass a new law which would allow single market rules to be adopted quickly if in the UK's interests.‌The move is possible under so-called Henry VIII powers that allow ministers to approve laws using secondary legislation without full scrutiny from Parliament. The plans, which will be unveiled in the King’s Speech, could lead to MPs automatically approving plans without review, as Parliament cannot amend secondary legislation.‌Mr Starmer insisted any law allowing this would itself need to be passed by MPs. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that a stronger relationship with Europe is in the “UK’s best interest”.The PM continued: "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.”‌READ MORE: Hillsborough law breakthrough as Keir Starmer 'to ditch spy chiefs' veto' after backlashView 2 ImagesKeir Starmer has defended plans to allow the UK to follow European Union rules without necessarily giving MPs a vote on each piece of red tape(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)He added that the legislation will make trade easier, reducing “burdens”...