Andy Burnham was slapped down in a Twitter row over a new high-speed electric railway in Turkey (Image: GETTY)

       Andy Burnham has been slapped down in a Twitter row over a new high-speed electric railway in Turkey.

       The Government announced it was underwriting a ￡680million loan on the condition that UK exporters supply the project.

       But the Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester said: "So we can’t afford to keep our own ticket offices open - but we can afford to build a new line in Turkey?"

       Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake hit back: "Labour doesn’t even understand basic economics.

       "This isn’t a grant, foreign aid or even a loan, UK Export Finance is providing a loan guarantee on the condition UK firms supply the Turkish railway. This money will be going back into the pockets of our exporters, helping firms across the UK."

       Join our free WhatsApp group to get all the latest politics news

       Labour don’t even understand basic economics. This isn’t a grant, foreign aid or even a loan, @UKEF is providing a loan guarantee on the condition UK firms supply the Turkish railway. This money will be go back into the pockets of our exporters, helping firms across the UK. https://t.co/sBCc1ibLyJ

       — Kevin Hollinrake MP (@kevinhollinrake) July 25, 2023

       Labour don’t even understand basic economics. This isn’t a grant, foreign aid or even a loan, @UKEF is providing a loan guarantee on the condition UK firms supply the Turkish railway. This money will be go back into the pockets of our exporters, helping firms across the UK. https://t.co/sBCc1ibLyJ

       — Kevin Hollinrake MP (@kevinhollinrake) July 25, 2023

       Labour don’t even understand basic economics. This isn’t a grant, foreign aid or even a loan, @UKEF is providing a loan guarantee on the condition UK firms supply the Turkish railway. This money will be go back into the pockets of our exporters, helping firms across the UK. https://t.co/sBCc1ibLyJ

       — Kevin Hollinrake MP (@kevinhollinrake) July 25, 2023

       Trending

       Conservative Party deputy chairman Lee Anderson added: "Well said, Kev. This will secure British jobs and put food on the tables of British families.

       "I think the Labour Party would sooner their supporters stay on the dole at the expense of the hard-working taxpayer."

       Mr Burnham was also fact-checked by fellow Twitter users who added context to his post in fresh embarrassment for him.

       The note added to the Labour politician's tweet said: "The UK Government is not paying for a railway in Turkey.

       "It is underwriting a loan by three banks which is reinsured by Italy and Austria.

       "This is part of an export finance deal on the condition that UK exporters supply components, engineering, electronic infrastructure."

       Ticket office closures: Fury at train station closures with campaigners blasting 'it's age discrimination'

       Plans to shut nearly all England's remaining train station ticket offices are another example of age discrimination in the UK, campaigners have warned.

       The Rail Delivery Group unveiled proposals earlier this month that could lead to the closure of most of the 1,000 offices, with facilities only remaining open at the busiest stations.

       The Government said the deal is expected to create multimillion-pound export contract opportunities for the UK’s infrastructure, engineering and project management sectors.

       Exports Minister Lord Offord said: "The UK-Turkey trading relationship is going from strength to strength.

       "Last year, UK exports to Turkey reached ￡8.5billion, and this week we announced plans for an updated trade deal that will further boost exports and imports between our countries.

       "UK Export Finance’s backing for this transformative high-speed railway adds to this success story.

       "This deal shows that the UK, home to the world’s first railway system, still moves full steam ahead with its export of railroad innovation and expertise."

       Ticket office closures: Fury at train station closures with campaigners blasting 'it's age discrimination'

       Plans to shut nearly all England's remaining train station ticket offices are another example of age discrimination in the UK, campaigners have warned.

       The Rail Delivery Group unveiled proposals earlier this month that could lead to the closure of most of the 1,000 offices, with facilities only remaining open at the busiest stations.

       Plans to shut nearly all England's remaining train station ticket offices are another example of age discrimination in the UK, campaigners have warned.

       The Rail Delivery Group unveiled proposals earlier this month that could lead to the closure of most of the 1,000 offices, with facilities only remaining open at the busiest stations.

       The Government said the deal is expected to create multimillion-pound export contract opportunities for the UK’s infrastructure, engineering and project management sectors.

       Exports Minister Lord Offord said: "The UK-Turkey trading relationship is going from strength to strength.

       "Last year, UK exports to Turkey reached ￡8.5billion, and this week we announced plans for an updated trade deal that will further boost exports and imports between our countries.

       "UK Export Finance’s backing for this transformative high-speed railway adds to this success story.

       "This deal shows that the UK, home to the world’s first railway system, still moves full steam ahead with its export of railroad innovation and expertise."

       The Government said the deal is expected to create multimillion-pound export contract opportunities for the UK’s infrastructure, engineering and project management sectors.

       Exports Minister Lord Offord said: "The UK-Turkey trading relationship is going from strength to strength.

       "Last year, UK exports to Turkey reached ￡8.5billion, and this week we announced plans for an updated trade deal that will further boost exports and imports between our countries.

       "UK Export Finance’s backing for this transformative high-speed railway adds to this success story.

       "This deal shows that the UK, home to the world’s first railway system, still moves full steam ahead with its export of railroad innovation and expertise."

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

       SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

       Related articles Michael Gove launches attack on three 'dangerous' Labour plans 'King of the Red Wall' launches crowd-funder 'to save Brexit' from Labour Defiant Sadiq Khan to press ahead with ULEZ expansion despite huge Labour row Labour's 'hypocrisy' on trans rights encourages gender extremists - Lee Anderson Kemi Badenoch blasts 'brazen' Labour for 'copy and pasting' Tory policy