Burnham Seeks 'Trusted Partner' Role for Britain in EU's Made in Europe Plan

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will press for Britain to be treated as a "trusted partner" in the European Union's proposed "Made in Europe" scheme, arguing that London and Brussels should not be cast as adversaries over a policy that could significantly affect the UK's automotive sector.

The scheme is designed to reduce Europe's reliance on Chinese components by giving priority to goods manufactured within the bloc. That prospect has raised concerns in Britain, where carmakers supply parts into EU production chains and sell vehicles across member states.

Speaking to reporters on his flight to New York for his first United Nations General Assembly as prime minister, Burnham said he sensed backing for British involvement. He is expected to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the visit.

"Europe's argument is not with us. We both suffer the same effects as other countries, particularly steel," he said, adding that the two sides should work towards an arrangement that avoids creating problems where none existed and recognises shared interests.

Britain has contended that the plan could disrupt supply chains and erect unnecessary trade barriers with some member countries. Burnham has urged both sides to prevent further "collateral damage" and is keen to avoid another exclusion, following the collapse of talks on joining the EU's SAFE defence fund.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said on Tuesday that leaving Britain out of the proposed provisions would place its automotive industry in jeopardy and threaten its contribution to the EU economy. The industry body put the value of the UK-EU trading relationship in the sector at €80 billion a year, noting that intertwined supply chains mean European carmakers would also suffer if Britain were excluded.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes described such an outcome as an own goal that would weaken competitiveness, reduce scale and limit consumer choice.

Britain's position on the scheme is the latest point of friction since the 2016 vote to leave the EU. Supporters of departure had argued that a Britain outside the bloc would be free to trade more nimbly with faster-growing economies worldwide. Since then, China's rise, the unpredictability of Donald Trump's United States and rapid technological change have sharpened the debate over that decision.

Burnham has said he wants to move further and faster in deepening ties with the EU, building on improved relations under predecessor Keir Starmer after years of distrust. He said his focus was on a forthcoming UK-EU summit, delayed by Britain's change of leader in July, and expressed hope that it would still be held this year.