Labour has been slammed by Brexiteers after it was revealed that the UK is preparing to allow EU courts a say over meat and dairy imports. British negotiators have reportedly told EU officials that the government is willing to accept dynamic alignment of rules on food and agriculture, breaking a major negotiating red line put in place by the previous Conservative government.
The deal would also give fresh powers to EU courts and judges, with the EU Court of Justice given a role overseeing imports. The move would be a blow to trade deal hopes with countries that have lower food standards, such as the United States, as Labour turns Britain’s trading ambitions back to the EU and away from the rest of the world. According to Bloomberg, the proposals were discussed as part of preparations for the first joint UK-EU summit on May 19, where Sir Keir Starmer will welcome EU leaders to London.
Sir Keir has said the summit with Ursula von der Leyen and others will be an opportunity to “reset” relations, and discuss issues like touring musicians, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and animal and plant products.
Responding to the claims about food checks and the possible return of EU judicial oversight of British affairs, former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost condemned the rumours as a “terrible deal”.
Lord Frost added: “It’s been obvious for some months Labour are going to do this terrible deal and bring EU law and EU courts back into Britain.
“All that struggle for control and independence – Labour are going to reverse it for nothing in return.”
He added that he hopes the Conservative Party will oppose it, and promise to reverse it in their next election manifesto.
Former MP and chairman of the European Research Group Steve Baker said the deal would be both a betrayal of Brexit, and will cost British voters.
He explained: “According to the Growth Commission, this will cost the UK 6 to 9% of GDP, compared to gains of 8% with a sensible US deal plus reasonable improvements to our EU relationship.
“Apart from betraying our exit from the jurisdiction of EU law, it would be economic folly, an own goal we cannot afford.
“It’s the same old story from an ideological Labour government determined we should be governed by someone else.”
A Government spokesman said: “A closer, more cooperative relationship with the EU will improve the British people’s security, safety and prosperity.
“We will act in Britain’s national interest and we have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market.
“We will not provide a running commentary on talks.”