STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the Government will argue for the United Kingdom to become a trusted partner in the European Union’s Made in Europe initiative. The scheme is intended to reduce reliance on Chinese components by giving greater priority to products manufactured within Europe.
The Government is concerned that excluding British companies could disrupt supply chains and create additional trade barriers between the UK and EU member states. Burnham said Britain and the EU faced common industrial challenges, particularly in the steel sector.
Burnham has pledged to deepen relations with the EU and said he hoped a postponed UK and EU summit could take place before the end of the year. The Government is seeking access to Made in Europe after negotiations over British participation in the EU’s SAFE defence fund ended without an agreement.