Andy Burnham’s promise of a “pro-business” government is already under strain, with the UK aerospace industry voicing concern over policy delays even as the incoming prime minister prepares to bring Jonathan Reynolds back as business secretary.
Burnham, who won the Labour leadership and is set to become prime minister this week, is planning to reappoint Reynolds to the business brief, according to City A.M. Reynolds served as business secretary until last September before becoming chief whip. His expected return is seen as a signal of Burnham’s commitment to business-friendly policies.
“Andy Burnham plans to bring Jonathan Reynolds back as business secretary as aerospace industry warns of policy lag.”
But in a sign of the challenges ahead, the aerospace sector has expressed unease about a “policy lag” under the new leader. In a report published on July 16, industry observers noted that Burnham may not appear at an upcoming airshow — a traditional platform for government engagement with the sector. The absence would risk deepening concerns that the new administration is slow to address the industry’s priorities.
Among those priorities is a UK proposal for e-Conspicuity for ADS-B-exempt aircraft, a rule the Civil Aviation Authority hopes will reduce the risk of midair collisions. However, the industry fears the proposal could discriminate against the business aviation sector, adding to the sense of regulatory uncertainty.
The aerospace industry’s unease comes as Burnham seeks to project stability and pro-business credentials. By promoting Reynolds — a former business secretary with direct experience of the brief — he aims to reassure companies that the government will prioritise economic growth. Yet the policy lag in aerospace suggests that even a business secretary with a track record may struggle to keep pace with industry expectations.
Whether Burnham will make time for the airshow remains unclear. For an industry that relies on face-to-face engagement with policymakers, his potential absence could compound the perception that aviation is not at the top of the new government’s agenda.
