The move comes ahead of a planned UK-EU summit in November, where Burnham hopes to improve Britain’s relationship with Brussels. The discussions involve access to European industrial support schemes, alongside concerns about competition from Chinese car manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Birmingham Mail, Burnham is preparing to align Britain’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles <\/strong>with those imposed by the European Union. The proposal forms part of efforts to secure closer cooperation with European partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Prime Minister is due to meet German Chancellor Friedrich Merz <\/strong>in Berlin on Thursday. During the visit, Burnham is expected to seek German support for allowing British companies to benefit from EU defence loans and industrial subsidies. Merz is expected to make clear that such access may depend on Britain increasing its tariffs on Chinese electric cars from the current 10% to the EU’s 45%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An EU diplomat told The Telegraph that countries seeking recognition as European industrial partners could not maintain lower tariffs <\/a>than those applied within the bloc. The diplomat argued that differing tariff rates <\/strong>could allow Chinese manufacturers to send vehicles through Britain and potentially benefit from European trade arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The discussions coincide with Burnham’s wider consideration of Britain’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Speaking to the BBC last week, Burnham outlined several possibilities, including maintaining existing arrangements, pursuing a customs union, returning to the single market or seeking full EU membership. He said ministers would examine \u201cwhat is doable\u201d alongside the advantages and disadvantages of each option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n