British Prime Minister Burnham will urge European Commission President von der Leyen on Tuesday to allow Britain to participate in the EU's new “Made in Europe” industrial policy. He made it clear: “We are not your opponents here.” The purpose of this industrial policy is to protect the EU manufacturing industry from competition in other countries. On the eve of his meeting with von der Leyen in New York, Burnham said that Britain may suffer “collateral damage” due to this policy. Burnham added that von der Leyen had suggested that Canada might be able to obtain associate membership in the European Union, but this option does not apply to the UK. “The EU has made it clear that this qualification will not be open to us,” he said. This system of quasi-member status has yet to be implemented, and some EU capitals also have reservations about the treatment proposed to be given to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Burnham's statement on the “Made in Europe” policy is his strongest signal so far: the UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year must respond to Britain's concerns that the EU's proposed industrial policy would damage the UK's industrial base. Burnham told reporters: “Our position has already been supported by many EU member states because the opponent that Europe wants to deal with is not us.” “Our view is that we are not your enemy, we are not the source of the problem. 'Made in Europe' addresses another issue. We believe in 'avoiding collateral damage'.” Burnham pointed out that the supply chains between Britain and Europe are very closely linked, and this policy may disrupt the existing supply chain. “We should establish a partnership of mutual trust, not create problems where there are no conflicts, and work hand in hand in areas where we have common interests.” he said.

British Prime Minister Burnham will urge European Commission President von der Leyen on Tuesday to allow Britain to participate in the EU's new “Made in Europe” industrial policy. He made it clear: “We are not your opponents here.” This industrial policy aims to protect the EU manufacturing industry from competitive shocks from other countries' firms. On the eve of his meeting with von der Leyen in New York, Burnham said that Britain may suffer “collateral damage” due to this policy. Burnham added that von der Leyen had suggested that Canada might be able to obtain associate membership in the European Union, but this option does not apply to the UK. “The EU has made it clear that this qualification will not be open to us,” he said. This system of quasi-member status has yet to be implemented, and some EU capitals also have reservations about the treatment proposed to be given to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Burnham's statement on the “Made in Europe” policy is his strongest signal so far: the UK-EU summit scheduled for later this year must respond to Britain's concerns that the EU's proposed industrial policy would damage the UK's industrial base. Burnham told reporters: “Our position has already been supported by many EU member states because the opponent that Europe wants to deal with is not us.” “Our view is that we are not your enemy, we are not the source of the problem. 'Made in Europe' addresses a different problem. We believe in 'avoiding collateral damage'.” Burnham pointed out that the supply chains between Britain and Europe are very closely linked, and this policy may disrupt the existing supply chain. “We should establish a partnership of mutual trust, not create problems where there are no conflicts, and work hand in hand in areas where we have common interests.” he said.