Solihull MP Julian Knight will open a special Westminster debate on the current challenges facing Jaguar Land Rover on Wednesday 16th January.
He will take the opportunity to explain to MPs the underlying causes of the recent problems at the Lode Lane plant, and set out the practical steps the Government can take to offer JLR the stability and certainty they need to invest and protect jobs. A minister will respond.
Most important is creating a new regulatory regime, which recognises that modern ‘clean diesel’ engines have a vital role to play in the Government’s plans to deliver a Clean Air Strategy and a transition over to electric vehicles.
Julian has recently joined the new Jaguar Land Rover Development Partnership established by Greg Clark, the Business Secretary, and Mayor Andy Street, and has used his position in the House of Commons to hold face-to-face meetings with several ministers, including the Chancellor and Environment Secretary, to press for these important reforms.
Speaking ahead of the debate, Julian Knight said:
“Solihull is very proud to be an exporting town, with a global footprint and a trade surplus in goods with the EU. Car manufacturing has played an important role in our community for 70 years, and the recent job reductions at Lode Lane are a cause of deep concern to local residents.
“Clean diesel cars such as those built by Jaguar Land Rover have an important role to play in helping this Government achieve its environmental, economic, and technological goals. This debate is my opportunity to make this case and receive a direct, public response from a minister.
“I will continue to use my position in Parliament to push for the policies which will give JLR the confidence it needs to invest in our town, protecting jobs and keeping Solihull at the forefront of Britain’s exporting trade.”
