UK seeking talks over Dutch trade warning

The government has said it is treating a warning to Dutch manufacturers to avoid British components as an “extremely high priority”.

The Dutch govenment has advised businesses they risk losing trade rights after Brexit if they source too many parts from the UK. Under EU “rules of origin”, at least 55 per cent of a product must come from the EU to be traded within the single market and with countries that have a trade deal with Brussels.

Treasury Minister Mel Stride said the issue had been raised at the highest levels, and ministers are “confident” of resolving it as part of Brexit negotiations.

SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford said it confirmed that “there is a threat to trade, to jobs and to prosperity” from leaving the EU single market.