Proposed delay to tariffs on UK electric vehicles - Business and Trade Committee Chair responds

Responding to reports that the European Commission has proposed delaying EU tariffs on UK electric vehicles, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee Liam Byrne said:

“I welcome the news that the European Commission has recommended extending tariffs on UK electric cars.

“Extending the deadline was always common sense. As the Business and Trade Committee set out in its recent report on electric vehicle batteries, the UK Government and European Commission underestimated the timeframe required for these complex supply chains to develop. Failing to extend the deadline could have had serious unintended consequences for all involved.

“I know my relief at this announcement will be shared by investors and business leaders throughout the motor industry, both here and in Europe. But we must not let complacency set in. Now, the Government must get on with the hard work of delivering the gigafactories and battery supply chain the UK desperately needs.”