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Sir Keir Starmer has frequently expressed his desire for a closer connection with the European Union, a theme that featured in his 2024 general election manifesto, though without detailed specifics. Nearly a year ago, during the first annual UK-EU summit, it was confirmed that the UK is in negotiations with the EU covering key areas such as food and drink standards, carbon emissions, and electricity regulations.
The complexity arises from the UK government’s proposal for “dynamic” alignment, which involves not only adhering to current EU regulations in these sectors but also committing to follow any future changes to these rules. When legislation on this matter is introduced later this year, Parliament will vote on the overall approach. However, ongoing updates to align UK regulations with EU standards might proceed via secondary legislation rather than requiring new parliamentary votes for each change. This method was also utilized by previous Conservative administrations pursuing regulatory divergence from the EU.
The government’s admission that secondary legislation will be the parliamentary pathway has sparked criticism from Conservative MPs and Reform UK. Yet, the deeper dispute revolves around fundamental concerns about the UK’s sovereignty, its economic future, and its global standing—issues that have long fueled political debate in Britain. Notably, the Prime Minister is showing a renewed willingness to engage openly in this discussion.
Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith warned that the government’s plans risk making Parliament “a spectator while Brussels sets the terms,” echoing sentiments expressed by Reform UK’s Nigel Farage, who described unvoted acceptance of EU rules as “a direct betrayal of the Brexit referendum.” In essence, critics argue that the UK should not accept EU rules without having a role in shaping them. While Sir Keir does not frame his position in these terms, his stance suggests that accepting EU regulations in certain sectors is justified by the anticipated economic advantages.
The Prime Minister’s pursuit of closer regulatory alignment with the EU predates his public break with former President Trump over Iran; however, current global instability, including conflicts like the war in Iran, now plays a significant part in the rationale behind this policy. Sir Keir emphasized on BBC Radio 5 Live that, amid widespread global uncertainty, “the UK’s best interests are in a stronger, closer relationship with Europe.” At a press conference earlier this month, addressing the economic consequences of the Iran conflict, he reiterated that “our long-term national interest requires closer partnership with our allies in Europe,” while lamenting that Brexit had “deep damage to our economy” and expressing a desire for “more ambitious” cooperation.
Though this shift marks a more overt embrace of a pro-European stance compared to his earlier leadership period, where caution prevailed to avoid alienating Labour voters on either side of the Brexit debate, the approach remains measured. Political calculations have evolved with Brexit’s waning popularity and the emergence of challenges from the progressive spectrum, exemplified by the Green Party’s by-election success. Nonetheless, concerns persist that Starmer’s proposed relationship with the EU might not fully satisfy more progressive members of his party, especially given his commitment to the post-Brexit framework established under Theresa May, which excludes membership in both the single market and customs union.
Pressure for a deeper EU rapprochement is growing within Labour. London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan has publicly advocated rejoining the single market and customs union ahead of the next general election, even suggesting the party should campaign for full EU membership in the future. Meanwhile, some advocates of stronger UK-EU ties within government recognize that Starmer’s vocal commitment could prompt the EU to adopt tougher negotiating stances. As one government insider noted, “the EU drives a hard bargain, especially if we’re seen as wanting to cherrypick the best bits of the single market.”
Complications extend beyond regulatory alignment talks. UK-EU negotiations on a youth mobility scheme have stalled due to UK demands for a cap on the number of young people able to live in the EU annually. Additionally, several EU nations are pushing for European students to pay the same university tuition fees in the UK as British students do. These issues are expected to be addressed at a forthcoming UK-EU summit in the coming months. A decade after the referendum, Brexit remains a central and contentious topic in British political discourse
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