UK-EU food deal could mean adopting 780 EU laws yearly

A parliamentary committee says the proposed UK-EU reset on food and farming could require Britain to adopt at least 780 pieces of EU law each year, or roughly two a day. The report warns that the UK would have limited influence over these rules and that the cost of compliance for businesses may not be reflected in Treasury assessments.

The deal, originally negotiated by Keir Starmer, is expected to be signed by Prime Minister Andy Burnham next week. It would reduce EU checks on British food exports in exchange for the UK dynamically aligning with future EU food and farming regulations; the committee also warns that rejoining the EU electricity market could raise energy bills. Burnham has described a possible agreement as “win-win”, while critics say it would reduce Parliament’s control over rule-making.