Andy Burnham, a senior UK official, is set to warn European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the European Union's proposed "Made in Europe" rules could inflict significant "collateral damage" on British manufacturing and supply chains. The meeting is scheduled to take place in New York on Tuesday during a UN summit.

The "Made in Europe" initiative, formally known as the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), is designed to reduce the influence of Chinese companies within the EU. The proposals aim to achieve this by prioritizing manufacturers based within the bloc for public contracts and subsidies. However, the UK government is concerned that favoring EU companies could disadvantage British businesses.

Speaking to reporters en route to the United States, Burnham emphasized that the UK is not the "enemy" or the "problem" the EU is trying to address with these rules. He stated that Britain and Europe suffer similar effects from external economic pressures, particularly concerning industries like steel. The UK's argument, he explained, is to "avoid collateral damage" to its own economy.

These concerns over the "Made in Europe" policy have reportedly contributed to further delays in scheduling an EU-UK summit, which had already been postponed following a change in UK leadership earlier in the year. Burnham expressed hope for finding "common ground" with EU leaders.

Burnham also addressed the broader UK-EU relationship, stating his immediate priority is to rebuild and strengthen ties following a period of strained relations. He indicated that the focus is on achieving practical agreements that will benefit the British economy, with potential discussions on issues like youth mobility also on the agenda for future summits.

When questioned about the possibility of the Labour Party committing to rejoining the EU in its next manifesto, Burnham stated that such considerations are "for another day." He reiterated that the current emphasis is on practical cooperation and economic enhancement.

Burnham's discussions with von der Leyen come as he prepares to deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly reflecting on the decade since the Brexit vote. He plans to discuss the challenges posed by external actors seeking to manipulate or distort facts and influence democratic processes, advocating for a stronger, more proactive approach to countering such influences.

The "Made in Europe" proposals are still in the finalization stages, leaving room for dialogue and potential adjustments. The UK's engagement highlights the ongoing complexities of post-Brexit economic relations and the desire for cooperation on shared challenges while safeguarding national industrial interests.