Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the Government plans to make changes to its policy on dynamic alignment with the European Union, including HM Government’s red line positions.

The European Partnership Bill would provide the legal framework to ensure the UK government can implement international agreements made with the EU, as well as with third countries where the treaties correspond to those agreed with the EU.

The European Partnership Bill ensures smooth trade by allowing us to match our partners' rules through dynamic alignment or to mutually recognise our different standards as equal through equivalence.

The initial agreements delivered through this Bill will streamline food and agricultural trade, link our emissions trading systems, and strengthen cooperation in energy and electricity markets.

The European Partnership Bill ensures appropriate democratic oversight of legislative changes, by matching Parliamentary scrutiny to the significance of the power. Where regulations make significant changes, such as amending or repealing primary legislation, creating or widening a criminal offence, or setting fees, the affirmative procedure will follow, meaning they must be debated and approved by Parliament. This is a pragmatic balance between the need for agility and the sovereignty of Parliament.

The government has been clear that we are not moving on the manifesto red lines and we are seeking a deeper relationship with the EU that is in the interest of the UK. The new agreements on food and drink, emissions trading and electricity will reduce barriers to trade, cut costs for businesses, and drive growth and investment.