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New EU industry rules would damage UK, warns Burnham
Image source: Reuters
By Kate Whannel, Chris Mason, and Isabella Allen
Published 22 September 2026, 12:24 BST
Updated 1 hour ago
Andy Burnham has warned that planned EU rules to help European manufacturers would damage the UK, ahead of a meeting later with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The proposals aim to protect EU industry from Chinese competitors by giving companies inside the bloc priority for public contracts and subsidies. The prime minister expressed concern about how British industry and supply chains could be affected, and planned to discuss this with von der Leyen during a UN summit in New York.
Speaking on the flight to the US, Burnham also refused to rule out including a commitment to rejoining the EU in Labour's next manifesto, stating that it was an issue "for another day". He emphasized his immediate priority: rebuilding relationships with the EU and securing an agreement beneficial to the British economy.
The Made In Europe scheme, formally known as the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), is awaiting finalization. However, the EU's car industry has advocated for the UK's inclusion to prevent disruptions in their supply chains.
Tensions surrounding this proposed scheme have reportedly contributed to delays in this year's planned EU-UK summit, already postponed due to Sir Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister in July.
Burnham stated:
"We have considerable support among member states for the position we are taking, because Europe's argument is not with us... We are making the argument 'we are not your enemies here... we are not the problem'. Made in Europe is dealing with a different problem. We are making the argument that 'let’s avoid collateral damage'."
He anticipated finding common ground with former US President Donald Trump in their first meeting. In another development, Burnham discussed the Brexit vote's tenth anniversary and its impact on Britain's economy. He called for increased vigilance against external influences attempting to manipulate British democracy.