Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting resistance in Parliament over the government’s approach to resetting the UK’s relationship with the European Union, as political divisions reopen over Brexit.
The government has said it wants a more pragmatic and cooperative relationship with the EU, focusing on trade, security, research and regulatory cooperation. Ministers argue that closer engagement is necessary to boost economic growth and improve Britain’s standing with its European neighbours, while stopping short of rejoining the single market or customs union.
Critics, particularly on the Conservative benches, accuse the government of attempting to move the UK closer to EU rules without a clear public mandate. They argue that any significant shift in policy risks undermining the outcome of the 2016 referendum and could limit the UK’s regulatory independence.
The issue has triggered sharp exchanges in the Commons, with opposition figures demanding clarity on whether new agreements would involve alignment with EU standards or oversight by European institutions. Government ministers have insisted that sovereignty will be protected and that any cooperation will be on a case-by-case basis.
The debate highlights the continuing political sensitivity of Brexit, even years after the UK left the EU. While some MPs and business groups support a reset to reduce friction and uncertainty, others warn that the issue remains deeply divisive among voters.
As discussions with EU counterparts continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing economic pragmatism with domestic political pressure, ensuring that any reset can command support both in Parliament and across the country.
