News

Undoing Brexit? Critics say new King’s Speech bill could reopen EU divide

Published

1 month ago

May 13, 2026

Ministers accused of paving the way for closer EU alignment without full Commons scrutiny

THE UK GOVERNMENT has unveiled plans which critics claim could quietly reverse key parts of Brexit by allowing EU rules to be adopted into British law without a full parliamentary vote.

The controversial proposal was included in King Charles III’s speech to Parliament on Wednesday (May 13), through legislation titled the European Partnership Bill.

The Bill is designed to create a legal framework allowing future agreements between the UK and the European Union to be implemented more quickly — including planned deals on food standards, energy emissions and youth mobility.

Government officials argue the legislation is needed to support economic growth and strengthen ties with Europe after years of strained post-Brexit relations.

However, Brexit supporters and several commentators have warned the powers could allow ministers to sidestep meaningful scrutiny by MPs when adopting future EU-aligned regulations.

The move comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer signals a major shift in Britain’s relationship with Brussels following Labour’s difficult local election results last week.

Speaking earlier this week, Starmer said he wanted Britain back “at the heart” of Europe and described upcoming UK-EU agreements as a “big leap forward.”

Food, youth mobility and emissions deals planned

Negotiators are expected to meet in Brussels this summer for the second annual UK-EU summit, where both sides hope to agree new co-operation arrangements.

Among the proposed deals are:

• A new veterinary and food standards agreement designed to reduce border checks and ease imports and exports

• A closer emissions trading arrangement with the EU

• A youth mobility scheme allowing young Britons to live and work more easily across Europe

The Government claims the food agreement alone could boost the UK economy by £5.1 billion, with wider agreements potentially worth up to £9 billion overall.

Business groups including the British Chambers of Commerce have welcomed the proposals, arguing they could reduce costs for firms and consumers.

William Bain, the BCC’s head of trade policy, said quicker and simpler trade with Europe was essential for economic growth and lowering household prices.

Brexit fears reignited

Critics say the legislation could represent the clearest sign yet that Labour intends to gradually realign Britain with EU structures.

During questions from journalists this week, Starmer declined to rule out future membership of either the EU single market or customs union appearing in a future Labour manifesto — both previously ruled out under earlier Labour leadership.

That has fuelled speculation that Britain could move steadily closer to the EU over the coming years, despite Brexit remaining one of the most divisive political issues in modern British history.

The proposed youth mobility scheme has also drawn criticism from some immigration hardliners, who argue it could become a backdoor route to restoring freedom of movement.

The Government insists the plans are about practical co-operation rather than reversing Brexit itself.

But with ministers now seeking powers to rapidly introduce EU-linked regulations into domestic law, opponents say the political battle over Brexit may be far from over.

News

Tenby lifeboat tows yacht to safety after skipper falls ill near Caldey

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A YACHT was towed back to Tenby after its skipper became unwell off Caldey Island.

Tenby’s all-weather lifeboat was requested to launch at 1:40pm on Monday (Jun 15), after the coastguard received a call from the occupants of a yacht reporting that the skipper had become ill around one mile south of Caldey Island.

The volunteer crew quickly made their way to the vessel, which had three people and a dog on board.

Once alongside, the lifeboat crew discovered that the skipper was suffering badly from seasickness and that the other two people on board were unable to sail the yacht themselves.

After a full assessment by the coxswain, it was decided that the safest course of action was to tow the yacht back to Tenby. The vessel was drifting with the tide towards Caldey Island and was also considered a potential navigational hazard to other boats.

Two lifeboat crew members were placed aboard the yacht to help set up the tow and to monitor the unwell skipper during the journey back.

After a tow of around an hour, the yacht was placed on the lifeboat mooring in the calmer waters of North Bay.

The lifeboat then returned to station, arriving back at 3:15pm.

Entertainment

Waverley marks 79th anniversary with Pembrokeshire sailings

Published

9 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

THE WORLD’S last seagoing paddle steamer will return to Pembrokeshire this week as Waverley marks the 79th anniversary of her maiden voyage.

The historic vessel will sail from Milford Haven and Tenby on Tuesday (Jun 16), with trips including a daytime cruise around Skokholm, Skomer, St Brides Bay and Ramsey Island from 11:30am to 4:30pm.

There will also be an evening sailing from Milford Haven at 5:00pm, travelling to St Govan’s Head, Caldey Island and along the Pembrokeshire coast, returning at 9:50pm.

Passengers can also join Waverley at Tenby, with sailings to Milford Haven and an evening cruise around Caldey Island and the coast.

On Wednesday (Jun 17), Waverley will make her only Fishguard visit of 2026, with an evening cruise to St David’s Head, passing Strumble Head Lighthouse, from 6:15pm to 9:15pm.

Tickets are available through Waverley Excursions.

Crime

Mid Wales peace activist arrested outside court after Palestine Action ruling

Published

10 hours ago

June 15, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MID WALES peace activist Angie Zelter was arrested outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London after holding a placard in support of Palestine Action.

The 75-year-old campaigner, from Knucklas, Powys, was detained at around 12:20pm on the steps of the court, according to Radnor Palestine Links.

The group said Ms Zelter was arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 after holding a sign which read: “Saving lives is not terrorism. I support Palestine Action.”

She was taken to Charing Cross Police Station and released around two hours later, the group said.

The arrest came as the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the UK Government over its decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

The ruling overturned an earlier High Court decision which had found the ban unlawful. The Court of Appeal held that the Government’s decision was lawful and proportionate.

Palestine Action was banned after the Home Secretary moved to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Supporting or inviting support for a proscribed organisation can be a criminal offence.

Radnor Palestine Links said the protest formed part of an ongoing campaign against the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful demonstrators.

Ms Zelter, a long-standing peace and human rights campaigner, has been arrested more than 100 times worldwide during decades of non-violent direct action. She is also known as a founder of Trident Ploughshares.

Speaking after her arrest, Ms Zelter said: “I think it’s a terrible indictment of the criminal justice system that you are charging me with terrorism for holding a peaceful sign.

“We have to uphold the most important international laws. Peaceful, disruptive protest is absolutely essential to protect democracy.”

The Metropolitan Police has been asked to confirm the circumstances of the arrest, whether Ms Zelter was formally charged, and the conditions of her release.

Photo caption: Court protest: Angie Zelter outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London holding a sign in support of Palestine Action (Pic: Radnor Palestine Links).