In the long aftermath of Brexit, Britain finds itself once again at the edge of a European decision it did not shape. London has told Brussels that no summit will occur unless the EU agrees to negotiate the Industrial Accelerator Act — a sweeping law designed to shield European manufacturers from Chinese competition, but one that could quietly sever billions in UK trade if British goods are left unclassified as European. What began as a diplomatic reset between old partners has become a race against legislative time, with France holding the door and Britain standing in the corridor.