Stories

Tue, 22 Sep 2026

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 New EU industry rules would damage UK, warns Burnham

The prime minister met the European Commission President during his visit to the United Nations General Assembly.

* Andy Burnham has warned that EU rules aimed at helping European manufacturers could damage the UK, particularly its car industry.
* The "Made in Europe" scheme would give EU companies priority for public contracts and subsidies, potentially affecting British industry and supply chains.
* Burnham met with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to express his concerns and raise the issue of potential disruptions to the UK's economy.
* Despite this, Burnham declined to rule out committing to rejoining the EU in Labour's next manifesto, saying it was an "issue for another day".
* The UK is not included in the EU's plans for the scheme, but the EU's car industry has called for the UK to be included to prevent disruption to its supply chains.
* Tensions over the proposed scheme have reportedly delayed this year's planned EU-UK summit.