{"text":[[{"start":7.6,"text":"Rachel Reeves has urged cabinet ministers to award more government contracts to British companies in critical areas of the UK economy, as she steps up her campaign to remain chancellor amid challenges to Sir Keir Starmer’s ailing premiership."}],[{"start":22.549999999999997,"text":"In a letter to her colleagues, the chancellor advised them to “buy British” wherever possible, saying that doing so was “in the wider national interest”. "}],[{"start":32.15,"text":"Reeves said this would help “more businesses grow and prosper and create good, skilled jobs and apprenticeships here in Britain”, according to the Guardian, which first reported the letter. "}],[{"start":42.55,"text":"The chancellor added that it was “disappointing” that “too many” contracts were going to overseas companies."}],[{"start":49.8,"text":"A government spokesperson told the FT that they would “issue new guidance prioritising contracts for British business where necessary” when procuring suppliers for artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, shipbuilding and steel."}],[{"start":63.699999999999996,"text":"The push comes as Reeves attempts to maintain favour with her party’s MPs while Starmer faces a looming battle for the leadership of the Labour Party."}],[{"start":73.35,"text":"Allies of the chancellor earlier this month said she should stay in the role even if Starmer were replaced, arguing that her fiscal policies helped soothe jittery bond markets at a time of global instability."}],[{"start":85.69999999999999,"text":"Reeves is hoping to claw back lost Labour voters after the party’s dire performance in local and devolved elections by easing household costs amid the global energy shock and looming inflation crisis sparked by the Iran war. "}],[{"start":100.35,"text":"Last week, the chancellor announced a sweeping package of “Great Summer Savings”, including cut-price baked beans, free bus travel for children and reduced VAT on certain attractions and children’s restaurant meals."}],[{"start":113.35,"text":"She had also pushed for supermarkets to cap the prices of essential goods, before dropping the proposal after a furious response from the sector. "}],[{"start":122.35,"text":"As part of the focus on awarding contracts to UK companies, the government will also designate procurement in AI, energy infrastructure, shipbuilding and steel as “critical for national security”, the government spokesperson said."}],[{"start":136.85,"text":"This would potentially carve out those sectors from rules introduced by the previous Conservative government that prevent authorities from discriminating against non-British suppliers. "}],[{"start":147.4,"text":"The letter was co-signed by Cabinet Office minister Chris Ward. "}],[{"start":152.15,"text":"Chinese companies’ investments in British infrastructure and supply chains have come under particular scrutiny in recent years."}],[{"start":159.45000000000002,"text":"The government announced it would take full ownership of British Steel from Chinese group Jingye earlier this month, following concerns over the steelworks’ financial precarity and strategic importance. "}],[{"start":171.25000000000003,"text":"While critics raise potential security concerns, proponents point to the potential cost benefits of increased competition from overseas competitors. "}],[{"start":179.45000000000002,"text":"Energy company Octopus Energy in January told Britain to embrace more Chinese technology in wind turbines, due to the potential cost savings. "}],[{"start":188.75000000000003,"text":"The government in March blocked Ming Yang from supplying components to offshore wind projects on national security grounds, a decision that prompted the Chinese turbine maker to accuse the government of “politicisation”."}],[{"start":207.50000000000003,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1779781300_8026.mp3"}