UK considers law to align with EU rules

Plan tied to trade talks aims to cut costs and ease barriers, but opposition warns it sidelines parliament

The British government is preparing legislation that would allow it to adopt certain EU rules without having to hold a parliamentary vote each time, the BBC reported Monday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is backing the proposal, according to the report, which would enable so-called dynamic alignment with some EU regulations as part of efforts to deepen trade ties and reduce business costs. The approach would mean that when Brussels updates relevant standards, such as those governing food, agriculture or product safety, the UK could incorporate the changes through secondary legislation, a process that typically limits debate and amendment. Government officials said the move is intended to streamline trade and cut red tape that has burdened companies since Britain’s departure from the bloc. They added that the plan could help lower costs for businesses and consumers by reducing paperwork tied to cross-border trade. Quoting a government spokesperson, the BBC said Parliament would still scrutinize broader legislation and any agreements with the EU, while retaining a role in approving the adoption of new rules under those deals. Opposition parties, however, have raised concerns that the plan would weaken parliamentary oversight. The proposal comes ahead of a planned UK-EU summit this summer, where both sides are expected to pursue broader cooperation following earlier agreements on issues including trade, energy and defense.