Britain is moving closer to the EU again: the government is preparing a key law to align with European rules
The British government is preparing to take a major new step towards the European Union by promoting a bill that would create the legal framework for bringing the UK into line with EU law in a wide range of areas. The initiative is part of the so-called “reset” of post-Brexit relations between London and Brussels.
Great Britain is getting closer to the EU/PHOTO:shutterstock
According to a British official, the bill would be presented to Parliament in the spring or summer of this year and would give the government, but also regional administrations, extended powers to adopt the new European rules immediately after they are approved in Brussels.
Areas covered include food standards, animal welfare, pesticide use, the European electricity market and the carbon trading system. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, stressing that the final details of the mechanism have not yet been determined.
Under the plan, new European laws in the agreed areas could be taken over almost automatically in British law, with the possibility of London reserving its veto in certain situations. British authorities insist, however, that the exact form of these powers is still under discussion.
The bill comes amid negotiations between the UK and the EU on a deal to “reset” relations, which includes an agri-food pact, linking emissions trading schemes and reintegrating electricity markets.
However, the UK continues to seek exceptions and special arrangements within these agreements, making any clear conclusions about the exact degree and form of alignment with European rules premature.
The announcement of the scale of the bill comes after EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said last year that Parliament “will rightly have a say” in aligning with new European rules. He insisted that the UK would retain rights to influence decisions when EU policies are formulated.
A UK government spokesman said that “resetting the relationship between the UK and the EU improves diplomatic, economic and security cooperation and could bring benefits to the UK economy of around £9bn by 2040”. According to him, the necessary legislation will be adopted, and additional details will be announced in the coming period.
In essence, London seems to be seeking a delicate balance: a pragmatic rapprochement with the European Union, without formally renouncing the sovereignty claimed after Brexit.
