The British government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union as Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushes to rebuild economic relations with the bloc after Brexit.
The British government plans to introduce new legislation aimed at strengthening ties with the European Union as Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushes to rebuild economic relations with the bloc after Brexit.
According to a Reuters report, the proposed law, called the European Partnership Bill, was announced as part of the government’s legislative programme during the King’s Speech delivered by King Charles III on Wednesday.
The move comes at a
politically difficult time for Starmer, who is facing mounting pressure within the Labour Party following poor performances in recent local, Scottish and Welsh elections.
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Some lawmakers have even called on him to step down, although Starmer has insisted that rebuilding Britain’s relationship with Europe remains central to his government’s economic strategy.
Closer ties with Europe
The new legislation is expected to create a framework allowing Britain to implement agreements with the EU both now and in the future.
The government said that the bill would support deals already under discussion on areas such as food and drink trade, electricity cooperation and emissions trading.
Britain and the EU had reached a broader framework agreement last year covering these sectors, but negotiations on the details are still ongoing.
Starmer has repeatedly argued that reducing trade barriers with Europe is necessary to boost economic growth and improve business confidence in Britain.
According to the report, in a written introduction to the King’s Speech, the Prime Minister said that Britain needed to “set a new direction” in its relationship with Europe and place the country “at the heart of Europe” again.
Brexit limits remain
Despite the push for closer cooperation, Starmer has maintained Labour’s main Brexit commitments. The government has said that Britain will not rejoin the EU single market or customs union, and freedom of movement with the bloc will not return.
Instead, Labour is pursuing a sector-by-sector approach to improve market access and economic cooperation.
According to a Bloomberg report, the bill could also make it easier for Britain to adopt some EU regulations in the future with less parliamentary scrutiny. New agreements may be implemented through secondary legislation, which limits the scope for lawmakers to debate or amend measures.
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However, the government said that Parliament would still need to approve any future treaties before they take effect.
Political pressure on Starmer
The legislation comes as Starmer faces growing political challenges at home.
Reports suggest that nearly 100 Labour MPs have expressed concerns over his leadership following the party’s recent electoral setbacks. A small number of ministers have also reportedly resigned amid dissatisfaction within the party.
Despite the criticism, Starmer has continued to defend his strategy of improving UK-EU relations while avoiding a return to the divisive Brexit debates that dominated British politics for years before Britain formally left the EU in 2020.
The government believes closer cooperation with Europe could help revive economic growth and stabilise Britain’s position at a time of increasing global uncertainty.
First Published:
May 13, 2026, 19:56 IST
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