LABOUR MPs are turning fire on Rachel Reeves for cosying up to China as their cheap cars flood the UK.
Blair McDougall slammed the Government for failing to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
APChancellor Rachel Reeves and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng[/caption]
GettySenior Labour MP Sarah Champion[/caption]
He warned Britain’s industries and national security are being put at risk by unchecked Chinese imports, with UK workers unable to compete against firms relying on forced labour.
The MP for East Renfrewshire told The Sun: “Chinese trade is an economic fact of life but it must never be at the expense of our own domestic industries, the UK’s national security or the human rights of workers in China, especially the huge numbers of Uyghur Muslims in forced labour camps.
“British workers can’t compete with companies who use slave labour.”
It comes after senior Labour MP Sarah Champion also warned Chinese EVs are destroying British car production and pose a security risk.
She wrote on X: “Why are we the only G7 country not putting tariffs on Chinese electric cars?
“Aside from Japan who don’t buy them.
“Branded as British brand ‘MG’ – they’re killing our car production & known to have capability for spyware.
“The same happened in Australia, destroying their industry.”
The EU has imposed tariffs of up to 38.1 per cent on Chinese EVs while the US has introduced a 100 per cent tariff to protect its industries from unfair competition.
The comments come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves jetted off to China over the weekend to discuss trade and investment opportunities.
It follows Sir Keir Starmer’s own meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping at the G20 late last year.
Ex-Tory party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “This is all about Rachel Reeves begging China for financial services deals. She took finance bosses to Beijing but left manufacturers behind. It’s a devil’s pact…
“The UK will become a dumping ground for cheap Chinese cars – just like steel.”
A Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: “We have been clear that any action taken has to be right for the needs of our domestic automotive industry and would be for the independent Trade Remedies Authority to investigate, should industry wish.
“We are vigilant to international developments and will act where we have concerns for the UK automotive industry.”
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