Chinese cars packed with sensors should be banned from Britain’s most vital industries to prevent ‘snooping by Beijing’s spies’, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been told.

The House of Commons business, innovation, science and trade committee has called on the Government to block digitally connected cars and so-called “internet of things” gadgets made in China from critical businesses and sensitive areas, reports The Telegraph.

The MPs also called for Mr Burnham to tackle the growing threat posed by Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to Britain’s car industry, calling for ministers to unleash tariffs on Beijing’s flood of export

Chinese cars filled with sensors should be banned from Britain’s most vital industries to prevent snooping by Beijing’s spies, Andy Burnham has been urged.

The House of Commons business, innovation, science and trade committee has called on the Government to block digitally connected cars and so-called “internet of things” gadgets made in China from critical businesses and sensitive areas.

The MPs also called for Mr Burnham to tackle the growing threat posed by Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) to Britain’s car industry, calling for ministers to unleash tariffs on Beijing’s flood of exports.

The EU has imposed tariffs as high as 35.3% on Chinese-made EVs and announced new quotas on hybrids.

Brussels is pushing the UK to impose similar tariffs as the price of access to vital EU subsidies under the new “made in Europe” scheme. Ministers have so far resisted a similar crackdown.

Mr Burnham is under pressure to explain his plans for a closer deal with the EU before a summit in Brussels on Nov 20. Lord Sarwar, the trade minister, has said the UK and EU must “act in lockstep” on Chinese EVs.

The call to ban Chinese cars from sensitive areas came in a highly critical report in which MPs said the Government’s policy on China had been muddled and piecemeal, with some deals waved through and others blocked at the last minute.

The report warned Mr Burnham’s government had yet to establish the “rule of the game” to “protect British economic and national security”.

The MPs suggested setting out “red zones”, key industries where Chinese influence should be blocked outright, to provide clarity to businesses and investors.

Next week’s edition of our Highways Voices podcast will delve into the subject of Chinese EVs – the episode will be available from Wednesday 11 November.

(Picture: Yay Images)