Labour is accused of another Brexit betrayal after plotting to deny MPs a vote on new EU sell-out

By CLAIRE ELLICOTT WHITEHALL EDITOR Published: 00:07, 13 April 2026 | Updated: 00:07, 13 April 2026 Labour was accused of another Brexit betrayal last night amid plans to sign the UK up to EU rules without giving MPs a proper say.  Ministers are set to introduce legislation to align Britain with future single-market regulations without normal parliamentary scrutiny. The move is part of Keir Starmer's plans to reset the UK's relationship with the European Union. But Brexiteers cried foul last night and said it would amount to Britain becoming a 'rule-taker'.  Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said it was a 'backdoor attempt to drag Britain back under EU control'. He added: 'Accepting their rules without a vote is a direct betrayal of the Brexit referendum and a total breach of the Government's manifesto promises.  'The British people didn't vote to become rule-takers, and we will fight this every step of the way.' Tory business spokesman Andrew Griffith said the move would reduce Parliament to 'a spectator while Brussels sets the terms' – something the country had rejected.  'Labour are still fighting the referendum because they fundamentally cannot accept the democratic decision the British people made,' he added. EU boss Ursula von der Leyen (left) and Sir Keir Starmer (right). Labour has been accused of a Brexit betrayal amid plans to sign the UK up to EU rules without giving MPs a proper say  The legislation – which is expected to be included in May's King's Speech – will allow Labour to import a series of EU laws to Britain.  It will give ministers the power to 'dynamically align' with the EU on future single-market rules if they deem it to be in the national interest – without giving MPs a proper vote.  The move is possible under so-called Henry VIII powers which allow ministers to approve laws without full scrutiny. EU rules will be adopted using a 'statutory instrument', which is secondary legislation enabling ministers to make detailed laws under the powers gained from an Act of Parliament. MPs can vote to approve or reject it, but cannot amend or change it. The move could fundamentally change the UK's relationship with the EU, meaning regulations are more likely to be nodded through rather than being subjected to full democratic scrutiny. It will allow Labour to adopt EU rules sector by sector while maintaining the UK has not joined the single market – a manifesto commitment. The Bill was originally thought to apply to a forthcoming agreement on food and drink – which contains 76 EU directives and regulations – and emissions trading. But The Guardian reported that it could also apply to future deals with the EU to adopt rules for any sectors. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (pictured) called the plans a 'backdoor attempt to drag Britain back under EU control' Government sources said any future alignment deals would need to be in the national interest, and Parliament would have a role in signing them off. If MPs did try to block individual regulations, this would be likely to cause issues with the EU and could spark retaliatory action.  Officials say Britain could still seek carve-outs from EU legislation – including for its ban on live animal exports – though this would be subject to negotiation with Brussels. They argue that this would mean the UK has a say over the rules. Any disputes will be decided by an independent tribunal, not an EU court. Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out plans to align with EU rules in certain sectors in the 'national interest'.    She said Britain would make its own regulations in 'sectors with unique characteristics or strategic importance for the UK, but that should be the exception, not the norm'. Earlier this month, Sir Keir said the Middle East crisis had demonstrated the need to collaborate with Europe on defence and trade. He said a UK-EU summit this summer would thrash out an 'ambitious' package for closer alignment. However, the plans have so far been overshadowed by disagreements over demands by Brussels for a youth 'free movement' scheme. Critics argue that the measures would amount to 'integration with the EU by stealth' – without the voting rights that Britain would have had as a member. 'Changes to UK regulations should be debated in Parliament and thrashed out by politicians,' said Professor Anand Menon, of the UK in a Changing Europe think-tank. 'The reality of this is we are signing up to a deal with the EU that commits us to follow their rules, whether we like it or not. The danger is you're doing integration with the EU by stealth.' The Government is said to be happy to take the fight to Brexiteers who they said would 'scream treason' over the move ahead of the tenth anniversary of the referendum on June 23. The legislation would be introduced following what is likely to be a terrible set of election results for Labour, and Sir Keir's aides hope it will give him a chance to reset his Government. They claim that the Bill – which has not yet been given a name – will add billions to the economy, help ease the cost of living and boost growth. A Labour source said: 'Reform and the Tories are stuck with the ghost of Brexit past. But in a world of rising global tensions, we need politicians who can build bridges rather than burn them.' Sir Keir has been under massive pressure from senior Labour figures to shift closer to Brussels. Deputy PM David Lammy and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have both suggested they support rejoining the customs union. A Government spokesman said: 'This Bill will allow us to deliver a 'food and drink' trade deal worth £5.1billion a year, backing British jobs and slashing costly red tape for our farmers, producers and businesses. We will provide details of the legislation in due course.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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