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UK Automotive Industry
18 September 2023
Lead MP
Nusrat Ghani
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EmploymentTransportBrexitBusiness & Trade
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Nusrat Ghani raised concerns about uk automotive industry in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The UK automotive industry is a vital part of the economy, supporting high-value jobs and enhancing export opportunities. The Government has secured significant investments from major manufacturers such as BMW, Stellantis, and Tata, totalling over £6 billion in recent months, which will transition production to electric vehicles and support green job creation. This investment highlights the UK's competitive business environment and regulatory system that attracts global manufacturing giants.
Rachel Hopkins
Lab
Luton South
Critiqued the Minister for her failure to prepare adequately for the introduction of rules of origin, which will impose tariffs on UK car and van makers exporting electric vehicles if they cannot source enough home-made batteries.
Liam Byrne
Lab
Birmingham Hodge Hill
Stressed that at least eight gigafactories with about 15 GW of capacity are needed in the UK to ensure adequate battery production and avoid tariffs on exports. He challenged the Minister for a clear timeline and plan for these facilities, including one proposed site in Coventry.
Emphasised the importance of acknowledging the substantial supply chain businesses such as Gestamp that support major automotive manufacturers like Nissan and Volvo across global markets.
Highlighted the historical significance of Leyland in truck manufacturing, currently undergoing investment for electric trucks. She urged the Minister to include Leyland DAF group's truck heritage in future considerations.
Asked about opportunities for synthetic fuels, sustainable fuels and hydrogen in relation to the battery vision, aiming to diversify energy solutions within automotive manufacturing.
Government Response
Emphasised that the Government is working closely with industry to address concerns about tariffs and rules of origin. The Minister acknowledged the need for targeted support and investment in critical minerals supply chains, and highlighted ongoing consultations and collaborations with European counterparts.
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Assessment & feedback
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.