The UK prime minister has expressed concerns about planned EU industrial policies during preparations for talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a UN summit in New York.
The proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, also known as the Made In Europe scheme, is designed to protect European manufacturers by prioritizing companies within the EU for public contracts and subsidies. The initiative aims to address competition from Chinese manufacturers. However, Burnham indicated that British industry and supply chains could face unintended consequences from the rules as currently structured. He stated that the UK position has garnered considerable support among EU member states, noting that both Britain and Europe face similar challenges, particularly regarding the steel industry. The prime minister framed the UK argument as one of avoiding collateral damage rather than opposing the EU’s objectives.
Discussions about the industrial scheme have reportedly contributed to delays in scheduling a planned EU-UK summit that was already postponed following earlier political developments. Burnham emphasized that his immediate focus is on reaching practical agreements that would benefit the British economy through closer EU cooperation, citing ongoing efforts to rebuild relationships across the Channel.
When asked about the possibility of rejoining the EU or pursuing alternative arrangements such as associate membership, Burnham declined to commit either way, characterizing such questions as matters for future consideration. He noted that EU officials have indicated associate membership is not currently available to the UK, while adding that the immediate priority involves securing concrete economic benefits through summit negotiations later in the year.
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