Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour government is facing accusations of “selling out” Britain after reports emerged that the UK is set to align with EU climate change regulations and food safety rules as part of its post-Brexit trade negotiations with Brussels. The proposed alignment, which includes accepting the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), has sparked outrage among Brexit supporters, who argue that it undermines the UK’s hard-won sovereignty.
The negotiations, aimed at reducing trade friction, include plans to eliminate checks on exports of food and plant products, ease travel for pets, and align carbon emissions trading systems. According to *The Times*, the UK has already made concessions on EU demands for alignment in these areas, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from former Brexit negotiator Lord Frost. He accused Starmer and Trade Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds of betraying the country’s self-government by accepting the ECJ’s jurisdiction. “Shame on you Keir Starmer and Nick Thomas-Symonds for selling out this country’s self-government to a foreign court,” Frost said.
The backlash comes as Labour denies claims that it is considering an “Australian-style” youth mobility scheme with EU countries. The proposed scheme would allow young Britons aged 18-30 to live and work in EU countries, while young Europeans would have similar access to the UK for up to two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension. While the scheme would be capped to limit its impact on immigration statistics, both Labour and the previous Conservative government have ruled it out, citing concerns over freedom of movement.
However, the Liberal Democrats and Green Party have called for the reintroduction of such a scheme, arguing that it would benefit young people and the economy. Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran criticized the Conservative government for “trashing” the UK’s relationship with Europe and called the proposal “common sense.” Green Party MP Ellie Chowns echoed this sentiment, urging the Labour government to take “braver and bolder” steps to mitigate the negative impacts of Brexit.
A government spokesman reiterated that there are no plans for a youth mobility agreement and emphasized Labour’s commitment to resetting the UK’s relationship with the EU without returning to freedom of movement, the customs union, or the single market. “We will of course listen to sensible proposals,” the spokesman said, “but we have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union, or the single market.”
The controversy highlights the delicate balancing act Starmer’s government faces as it seeks to improve trade relations with the EU while maintaining the UK’s post-Brexit independence. Critics argue that aligning with EU regulations and accepting the ECJ’s jurisdiction represents a step backward, while supporters of closer ties with Europe see it as a pragmatic move to ease trade barriers and boost economic growth.
As negotiations continue, the Labour government will need to navigate these competing pressures carefully. The outcome will not only shape the UK’s future relationship with the EU but also determine whether Starmer can deliver on his promise of a “reset” that benefits both the British people and the country’s standing on the global stage. For now, the debate over sovereignty, trade, and youth mobility remains a contentious issue, with no easy answers in sight.
