Cllr Patrick Keating 🔶🇺🇦

The news that Orbán’s people inform Moscow about EU Council meetings in every detail shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. We’ve had our suspicions about that for a long time. That’s one reason why I take the floor only when strictly necessary and say just as much as necessary.

Britain’s transition to zero emission vehicles must urgently be reviewed before targets accelerate exponentially from 2027, the automotive industry has warned, else the country’s net zero and economic growth ambitions could be thwarted. New analysis published by SMMT shows the UK’s transition pathway was built on assumptions that have proved to be over-optimistic.1 Despite changes to regulatory flexibilities and the return of consumer incentives, the gap between policy ambition and market reality continues to widen. The automotive sector remains fully committed to net zero. Conditions have changed so much, however, that failing to reassess the route risks undermining the very objectives the policy was designed to achieve. smmt.co.uk/same-destinati…

Does anyone ever click "yes" to the charity donation question when paying on a card machine?

The auto sector remains fully committed to net zero. Conditions have changed so much, however, that failing to reassess the route risks undermining the very objectives the policy was designed to achieve. Analysis in Same Destination, Smarter Route, a new report shows how 🔋battery costs are more than 30% higher than anticipated 🪨raw material costs remain stubbornly high 💡 UK and EU industrial energy prices have risen 80% and 28% respectively since 2021. smmt.co.uk/smarter-route-…

@ConnorAllenEU @EddyWax And somehow our P&L sheet became positive at the same time...

@EddyWax Sales dropped significantly when I stopped going regularly

1000 bottles in a Strasbourg week

Brexit rubber finally hits the road. ⁦@ian_c_johnston⁩ ⁦@KanaInagaki⁩ via @FT as.ft.com/r/bbbbad2d-855…

SMMT statement on the European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act @MikeHawesSMMT 📣 "The UK automotive sector is gravely concerned by today’s “Made in Europe” proposals set out in the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act. As drafted, it would discriminate against UK-made vehicles and components, damaging a trading relationship worth almost £70 billion annually. "It is a position that the UK industry and government sought to avoid, given we are both each other’s largest customers and suppliers. However, the strict EU assembly rules and EU27 eligibility criteria currently proposed would effectively put UK manufacturers at a systemic competitive disadvantage in the EU market, a situation which may also be in breach of the EU-UK Trade Cooperation Agreement – the Brexit deal. "The UK government and European counterparts must work together urgently to resolve the situation, extending full, trusted partner status to the UK automotive sector. This is not just to ensure choice for British and European consumers – especially in zero emission vehicles – but to deliver the economic growth and security everyone craves." smmt.co.uk/smmt-statement…

@HugoGye @singharj But not - critically - for the automotive sector

Signs of victory for UK lobbying after Peter Kyle's visit to Brussels last week FT reports that European Commission is now proposing 'Made in Europe' rules that would include Britain and other allies

We will communicate towards the US that we want to have clarity that they are sticking to the commitments made in Turnberry as well & also need clear answers from EU Commission on the consequences of the new US tariff regime for the EU. We stand ready but not without clarity.

@franskoster070 @FT But - vitally - not for automotive

EU to include UK and Japan in ‘Made in Europe’ plans via @FT giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/ac…

On the day that the commission unveils its "made in Europe" rules, a reminder that the WTO has already found previous "Made in US" rules to be, well, illegal borderlex.net/2026/02/02/wto…

Donald Trump just became the first US Commander in Chief since 1991 to have three American fighter jets shot down by another country… and somehow, it wasn’t even an enemy.

🗣️@William_Bain: "There is a continuing debate between EU members as to how far it should push its Made In Europe agenda. But if a more extreme version is enacted, it would have a chilling effect on cross-border trade." Find out more.👇 @biztradegovuk britishchambers.org.uk/news/2026/03/m…

@jarrettreckse @alecttrona Correct opinion

@alecttrona It’s country wear, not city wear

Barbour jacket is a non-negotiable wardrobe essential for men

Now official: EP work on EU-US deal is on hold until further notice! Our negotiating team just decided to put on hold @ep_trade legal implementation of Turnberry deal&postone vote foreseen for tomorrow. Clarity&legal certainty are needed before any further steps can be taken

Here we go: A meeting of EU-27 ambassadors has been scheduled for today at 4:30pm in restricted format (just ambassadors, no phones) to discuss EU-US trade relations following the newly announced tariffs, per a Cypriot presidency source

🕰The presentation of the IAA is now scheduled for the 4th of March - said @steph_sejourne 's cabinet

@RobFrancisEU Easter 2027...

You heard it here first (probably). New date is 4 March. One industry insider told me they don’t expect it before Easter

The European Parliament’s trade chief is preparing to freeze ratification of the EU US trade deal. Translation. Europe is done signing blank cheques while Washington experiments with tariff roulette. Before approving anything, Brussels wants actual details on the administration’s trade policy. Trade agreements require predictability. Not mood swings.

YOU GOT THIS CANADA!