‘We are not your enemies’

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-22T09:57:08.212Z • Permanent link

London Mayor Andy Burnham has announced plans to prevent what he describes as "collateral damage" to British industry, following EU proposals to give European companies priority in public procurement. Burnham's comments come as the UK government grapples with the implications of Brexit on its manufacturing sector. According to a recent report by the Centre for Policy Studies, British businesses could lose up to £100 billion in annual revenue if EU trade agreements are not renegotiated.

Burnham's stance on the issue is seen as a calculated move to protect London's economy, which has long been a hub for international trade and investment. The Mayor's office has confirmed that Burnham will be meeting with business leaders and government officials to discuss potential solutions. Meanwhile, EU officials have maintained that their proposals are aimed at promoting fair competition and preventing British companies from being unfairly disadvantaged.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has yet to comment on Burnham's plans, but sources close to the Prime Minister suggest that he is open to exploring alternative solutions that could mitigate the impact of EU trade agreements on British industry. However, any concessions would need to be carefully balanced against the need to maintain a level playing field for British businesses.

The potential impact of Burnham's plans on British industry is significant, with many research communities and policy environments closely monitoring the situation. Companies such as Rolls-Royce and Airbus have already warned that EU trade agreements could lead to job losses and reduced investment in the UK. Research institutions such as the London School of Economics have also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to public procurement policy.

The implications of Burnham's plans extend far beyond the UK, however. EU trade agreements are a key factor in shaping global supply chains and influencing economic policy across the continent. As such, any concessions made by the UK government could have far-reaching consequences for businesses and policymakers in other countries. Industry leaders are likely to be watching the situation closely, as they seek to understand the implications of EU trade agreements for their own operations.

Burnham's comments on public procurement policy are part of a broader pattern of tensions between the UK and EU over trade and investment. The two parties have been locked in a dispute over post-Brexit trade agreements, with the EU pushing for a more level playing field for British businesses. Meanwhile, the UK has been seeking to negotiate separate trade agreements with key partners such as Japan and the United States.