Sir Keir Starmer’s plans to realign Britain more closely with the European Union could reshape the way agriculture and food production is regulated, as ministers prepare legislation linking the UK to future EU rules.
The Times reports that the Prime Minister is expected to introduce major post-Brexit legislation that would allow Britain to dynamically adapt to European regulations in areas such as food standards, animal welfare and pesticide use.
For farmers, this could mean greater alignment with EU requirements for produce sold to the continent, but less domestic control over how those rules evolve.
The bill, which is expected to be tabled in parliament as early as next month, would be the first time since Brexit that MPs have been asked to accept changes to EU law without a formal vote on its content.
Under dynamic adjustment, the UK would be expected to comply with the latest regulations agreed in Brussels, even though it is no longer part of the EU’s law-making process. In some cases, this may also include accepting the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in matters of EU law.
Government ministers say the move could reduce border checks and red tape, easing pressure on farmers and food companies exporting to Europe.
Since leaving the EU, many UK producers have continued to effectively follow EU standards to access European markets, particularly in areas such as livestock, dairy and fresh produce. The Government believes formal coordination will help remove duplication and uncertainty for traders trading on both sides of the Channel.
The bill will also link the UK’s electricity and carbon markets with those in the EU, which ministers say will support economic growth and help address some of the long-term economic consequences of leaving the EU. Estimates cited by the government suggest that Britain’s GDP could be up to 4% lower than if it remained in the EU.
Opposition parties are expected to object to the proposal, arguing that dynamic adjustment amounts to an abdication of sovereignty. Conservatives oppose “rule-making, dynamic adjustment and the European Court’s lack of jurisdiction”, but Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that the plan would pull Britain “back into the orbit of Brussels and give up vast amounts of sovereignty for very little in return”.
Government officials say they are ready for a political fight, citing polls showing public support for closer ties with the EU. Europe Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds acknowledged the controversy and said critics would “hysterically scream even treason”, but insisted such claims were “nonsense”.
The debate could also resurface broader questions about the UK’s future trading relationship with the EU. The Liberal Democratic Party appears to be pushing for a customs union, but the government denies this. Liberal Democratic Party Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart said: “A customs union is the single biggest tool the government can use to boost growth and lower the cost of living.”
Ministers want to ensure passage of the bill in the Commons ahead of the next King’s Speech, scheduled for May, and aim to have the bill in place by the end of the year so that a broader UK-EU reset deal can come into force in 2027.
The next few months could be critical for farmers. Decisions made now will determine future regulatory frameworks for livestock welfare, crop protection products, and food production standards, and may shape market access and competitiveness for years to come.
