From ‘Union Jack Waving’ to Policy Change: A Critic’s View of the Auto Lobby

A fierce critic has accused carmakers of “waving the union jack” to manipulate policy, a charge that encapsulates the deep anger among campaigners following the weakening of the UK’s EV rules. This perspective views the industry’s patriotism as a self-serving charade.
Tom Riley, whose newsletter broke the story, argued that carmakers threaten UK jobs and investment only when it suits their agenda. His comments suggest a deep cynicism about the industry’s professed commitment to its British operations, viewing it as a bargaining chip rather than a genuine principle.
This perspective is fuelled by the ownership of the companies involved. BMW (German), JLR (Indian-owned), and Nissan and Toyota (Japanese) all framed their arguments around the well-being of their British workforces, a tactic that critics found disingenuous.
While the industry would argue it has a duty to its UK employees and that its warnings were sincere, the “cynical tactic” narrative has resonated with those who believe the government was emotionally blackmailed into a poor policy decision that benefits multinational corporations at the nation’s environmental expense.