PoliticsDiplomatic dispute

Healey to ask EU finance ministers to let UK into Made in Europe scheme

Published 1w ago · Updated 1w ago

AI summary42s readNegative

Britain is threatening to stall EU summit talks unless it is exempted from protective bloc legislation.

UK officials have warned that upcoming EU industrial legislation could delay a planned bilateral reset summit unless British businesses are granted exemptions. Defence Secretary John Healey is set to lobby Brussels to ensure the UK is included in the 'Made in Europe' scheme, which is primarily intended to counter Chinese industrial dominance. This follows broader calls from British figures for closer trade ties and strategic alignment with the European Union.

The legislation at the center of the dispute is formally known as the Industrial Accelerator Act.
British reset summits with the European Commission have already faced repeated rescheduling.
Mark Carney previously advocated for a unique economic alliance to bridge post-Brexit trade divides.

Timeline

Sep 15Mark Carney called for a unique alliance with the EU in a plea for closer economic ties.
Sep 16Government sources warned that the 'Made in Europe' law threatens British plans for a reset with the EU.
Sep 17Defence Secretary John Healey prepared to urge Brussels and EU finance ministers to include the UK in the policy.

Why it matters

Trade relations between the UK and the EU remain sensitive following Brexit, with London seeking selective economic integration while Brussels pursues unilateral industrial policies to protect its internal market.