Dehenna Davison on 'astonishing' Nissan investment

       Brexiteers are celebrating after Rishi Sunak scored a huge victory over the EU with Ursula von der Leyen's Commission backing down over demands to impose tariffs on electric cars.

       The Brussels bureaucrats had wanted to bring in the protectionist measures on the back of the Brexit trade deal agreed with the UK.

       But the Commission's hand has been forced after britain stared down the EU on the tariffs and member states panicked because they needed electric vehicles and parts manufactured in the UK to reach their Net Zero targets.

       Former Brexit minister David Jones, now deputy chairman of the European Research Group of Tory Brexiteer MPs, told Express.co.uk: "The European Union is starting to realise that it’s better for them to work in partnership, with a resurgent UK, rather than trying to frustrate us. That is a far more grown up approach, and one that they should continue to adopt.

       "The UK, for its part, should not be cowed by attempted intimidation from the other side of the English Channel."

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       Rishi Sunak has his first big win over the EU (Image: Getty)

       Brexiteer former Tory MEP David Campbell Bannerman, who sat on the European Parliament's trade committee for many years, said: "The EU sometimes doesn’t understand its own self interest. We are huge consumer and importer of their goods so cave when it suits them."

       Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib added: "It’s what Brexiteers have said from the start. The EU needs the UK much more than we need them. Indeed, the market at our doorstep, as rejoiners like to refer to the EU, has never been good for the UK. The Euro is artificially weak and we run a massive trade deficit with the eurozone. We would be better off in time completely cutting ties with it."

       He said that it should give British negotiators encouragement in standing firm against Brussels bullying.

       "For now our lily livered politicians haven’t used the new powers they have to break free. But at least when Germany sits on the EU to grant the UK lattitude for Germany’s own benefit, it does take action. Albeit unwillingly and slowly.

       "One day we will completely ditch the noose of the EU. On that day we will be an unstoppable economic force."

       Dudley North MP Marco Longhi said: “I am delighted that Brexit is yet again proving to be a success and I agree completely with the PM’s and Trade Secretary’s comments.

       “I would strongly encourage that the same approach be given to our steel industry - especially in sectors reliant on imports that have to pay 25% import duties because one particular steel company is buying up all the quota - leaving its competitors at their mercy. This could lead to job losses and higher prices for consumers if action is not taken very soon.”

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       David Jones said the agreement is a Brexit victory (Image: Getty)

       The deal today stands in stark contrast to the Windsor Framework Agreement on Northern Ireland where Brexiteers accused the Prime Minister of caving in.

       But the Prime Minister announced todat that the UK and the EU have decided existing regulations will continue until the end of 2026.

       Rules of origin requirements were due to come into force from January 1 following post-Brexit negotiations.

       They would have seen tariffs of 10 percent imposed on car sales between the UK and the EU if at least 45 percent of the vehicle’s value did not originate in the UK or EU.

       Manufacturers of electric cars were expected to struggle to meet that threshold as battery production in Europe has not increased as quickly as hoped.

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       Electric cars have become a success story of Brexit with massive investments from Nissan and Jaguar Landrover in the last 2 months choosing Britain over EU rivals.

       Their faith in Brexit Britain has now been rewarded with today's announcement.

       The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders estimated tariffs could result in an average price rise of ￡3,400 on EU-manufactured pure battery electric vehicles bought in the UK.

       The automotive industry had pleaded with the Government to secure an agreement with the EU to delay the changes.

       Mr Sunak said: “We have been listening to concerns of the sector throughout this process and I know this breakthrough will come as a huge relief to the industry.

       “The UK Government is delivering a pragmatic solution to keep costs down for businesses and for people at home who want to make the switch to electric vehicles.

       “We are also leaving no stone unturned to bolster our domestic battery industry and deliver long-term certainty for our thriving automotive sector to help them grow their roots in the UK.”

       Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “This Government is determined to ensure the UK remains one of the best places in the world for automotive manufacturing.

       “We listened to the concerns of the sector and worked hard with counterparts in Brussels and across Europe to deliver a solution that works for both sides.

       “Resolving issues like this one is part and parcel of being an independent trading nation.

       “This very good result is a visible demonstration that the UK is delivering for business with trading partners around the world.”

       The announcement was welcomed by the automotive industry.

       SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Deferring the rules of origin is a win for motorists, the economy and the environment.

       “Maintaining tariff-free trade in EVs will ensure consumers retain the widest and most affordable choice of models, at a time when we need all drivers to make the switch.

       “Governments have listened to the sector and acted to safeguard the competitiveness of the EU and UK automotive industries and give the Anglo-European battery industry the critical time it needs to catch up.”

       Lisa Brankin, who chairs Ford Britain, said: “Today’s decision to avoid unnecessary tariff costs is a major moment that will protect jobs, support countless investments, and most importantly help to keep costs down for consumers and businesses on their journey to an all-electric future.”

       Maria-Grazia Davino, group managing director of Stellantis UK, said: “We can now focus on our planned acceleration towards electrification, keeping costs down for our customers.

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       “The agreement demonstrates the importance of the trading relationship between the EU and UK and keeping the UK competitive.”

       The Government also said it hopes to reach an equivalent agreement with Turkey by the end of the year.

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