Julian Knight MP was very pleased to have the opportunity to speak for Solihull during a recent visit to Japan. He joined a delegation of MPs to meet science and technology experts and see how Japan is modernising its economy, and with educationalists to find out how they are closing the skills gaps opened up by new technology.
A particular highlight was meeting Mamoru Mohri, Japan’s first astronaut and director of the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, the Miraikan.
Solihull is at the heart of British vehicle manufacturing, and as vice-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Motor Industry Julian was keen to see how modern technology will affect our own factories. He got his chance during visit to Toyota City near Nagoya, where he got a chance to see first-hand the future of car manufacturing and design.
The group also met members of the National Diet of Japan, and the Foreign Minister, to discuss local security threats such as an expansionist China and a nuclear-armed North Korea, as well as Britain’s upcoming referendum on the European Union.
Commenting on the visit, Julian said:
“I am very pleased to have had this opportunity to get a first-hand view of one of the UK’s most important trading relationships. Solihull is an exporting town and an important centre for British car manufacturing, and the opportunity to see the cutting edge of the industry was immensely valuable.
“The similarities between Britain and Japan, two island nations with modern economies and global aspirations, make the relationship between our two countries a special one, and I would like to thank the Japanese Embassy for the opportunity to see why first-hand.”