Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact on UK vehicle manufacturing of the Rules of Origin requirements for electric vehicles and batteries due to apply from 1 January 2027 under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

New rules of origin requirements for electric vehicles under the TCA are scheduled to come into force on 1st January 2027. The UK Government recognises and shares the growing concern from industry about the potential impact of the upcoming rule changes on both UK and EU production. We are engaging with the European Commission and the UK automotive sector on the issue with a view to finding a mutually satisfactory solution. That includes, as a priority, looking to finalise joint guidance on the origin requirements related to Cathode Active Material.