Andy Burnham has been urged to ban sensor-equipped Chinese cars from Britain’s most vital industries amid concerns that they could enable spying by Beijing.

A Commons committee wants restricted areas in key industries to limit Beijing’s influence. The proposed restrictions on cars centre on the risk that their sensors could be used for surveillance.

The call concerns access to strategically important industries, rather than a general ban on Chinese cars across Britain. It is a proposal for preventive restrictions, not an announced ban or a finding that particular vehicles have been used to spy. The scope of the proposed restricted areas remains unspecified.