Theresa May’s industrial plan signals shift to more state intervention

Prime minister's offer of support to five key sectors will exploit post-Brexit lifting of EU state aid rules

Theresa May is to signal an era of greater state intervention in the economy as she launches her industrial strategy with a promise of "sector deals", a new system of technical education and better infrastructure.

The prime minister will publish the strategy at a cabinet meeting in the north-west of England, naming five sectors that could receive special government support: life sciences, low-carbon-emission vehicles, industrial digitalisation, the creative sector and nuclear industry.

Related: 'Northern powerhouse' to get 556m boost amid warnings of east-west divide

Related: Hurrah for the industrial strategy. At last Britain has a plan