Renault boss says Britain should scrap its 'stupid' petrol car ban to join the EU's 'Made in Europe' scheme

Renault chief François Provost also insists Britain must fall in line with EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars to win access. 'There is no good date because it's stupid to ban non-electric cars,' he said. The UK ban on new petrol and diesel sales is due in 2030, with hybrids allowed until 2035. Trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds has so far resisted Brussels, saying tariff calls will be 'based on the UK interest'.

France and Germany have reportedly proposed letting UK carmakers into the protectionist scheme.

No 10 called inclusion 'good news' but warned there is 'still a European process to run'.

Toyota Motor Europe's Yoshihiro Nakata said: 'Toyota is not a guest in Europe.'