- Ministers are planning new legislation to allow the UK to align with EU single market rules in areas such as food standards and animal welfare, aiming to reduce paperwork and boost economic growth.
- The proposed bill, part of the government's Brexit reset, would enable 'dynamic alignment' where future EU changes deemed in the national interest could be adopted without a full debate by MPs.
- This process would use secondary legislation under 'Henry VIII' powers, meaning Parliament could approve or reject new deals but not amend them, potentially leading to rubber-stamping of regulations.
- Expected to be unveiled in the King's Speech on 13 May, the legislation seeks to ease trade with the EU, though concerns have been raised about the UK surrendering control over its own laws.
- The plans have drawn criticism from opposition parties, with the Conservative shadow business secretary and Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson expressing worries about parliamentary democracy and the UK's autonomy.
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