New British cars will follow European laws and be fitted with breathalysers and black box-style recorders, amid claims the move is a political ploy by Labour to reset its post-Brexit relationship with the EU.
Sir Keir Starmer's government argues that differences in car manufacturing between Britain and Europe will lead to higher costs being passed on to the customer.
But critics argue such a move shows a desire by Labour to closely align Britain to rules and regulations implemented by Brussels.
Labour previously agreed the UK would align with EU plant and animal health rules as part of concessions to form a closer relationship with the union.
Now Lord Hendy, Minister of State for the Department for Transport, stated earlier this week in parliament that the government 'takes an explicit presumption in favour of alignment' in regards to how cars are manufactured.
