SIR KEIR STARMER’S plan to use “Henry VIII” powers to align Britain with European Union single market rules was branded “rank hypocrisy” by the Communist Party today.

The government plans to sideline MPs in its drive adopt a new law that would pave the way for secondary legislation imposing compliance with EU rules as part of the Prime Minister’s reset with Brussels.

That is likely to mean the single market rules being rubber-stamped by MPs, as Parliament can either approve or reject secondary legislation but cannot amend it.

Communist Party general secretary Alex Gordon said: “Keir Starmer’s plan to use ‘Henry VIII’ powers to impose EU single market rules in Britain through so-called ‘dynamic alignment’ will strike many who remember his role as the chief plotter and cheerleader for a second referendum campaign during Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership of the Labour Party as rank hypocrisy. 

“At that time, Starmer sought to frustrate the democratic will of voters and criticised Boris Johnson’s Tory administration for threatening to use Henry VIII powers to break the parliamentary deadlock and ‘get Brexit done.’

“Now, Starmer — the most unpopular PM in history — no doubt hoping to shore up his party’s hemorrhaging of votes to the Greens ahead of local elections on May 7, has gone to Boris Johnson’s toolbox.”

“EU dynamic alignment requires competition and privatisation of railways, postal services and utilities. 

“It would reverse plans to create Great British Railways and provide a lifeline for energy monopolies to continue to rip off consumers.

“EU rules and treaties are designed to prevent nationalisation of the fundamental economic sectors that the public needs to be brought under public control.”

The post-Brexit reset legislation is expected to be part of the government programme set out in the King’s Speech on May 13.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Sir Keir said that the changes will only come into force if Parliament passes the legislation, adding that a stronger relationship with Europe is in the “UK’s best interest.”

He said: “We’re in a world where there’s massive conflict, great uncertainty, and I strongly believe that the UK’s best interests are in a stronger, closer relationship with Europe, whether that’s defence and security … energy, inevitably, and also our economy.”

The Prime Minister added that the legislation will make trade easier, reducing “burdens” on businesses and lowering prices.