PM to warn EU chief of 'damage' posed by Made in Europe scheme

Andy Burnham has warned of the "collateral damage" posed by the EU's Made In Europe rules, ahead of a meeting later with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a UN summit in New York.

The proposals aim to curb the presence of Chinese companies in the EU by giving manufacturers inside the bloc priority for public contracts and subsidies.

Speaking on the flight to the US, Burnham also declined to rule out committing to rejoining the EU in Labour's next manifesto, saying it was an issue "for another day".

He said his "immediate priority" was to rebuild the relationship with the EU and reach "practical agreement that will further boost the British economy".

The Made In Europe scheme - formally called the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) - is yet to be finalised, but the UK government is concerned that plans to favour EU companies could harm British manufacturing.

Burnham said it could "affect British industry and supply chains" and that he would raise his concerns with von der Leyen during a meeting that is expected to take place on Tuesday at the UN's annual summit.

"We have considerable support among the member states for the position we are taking, because Europe's argument is not with us," he added.

"We both suffer the same effects as other countries, particularly steel and the issue it raises for the steel industry in Europe and in Britain.