Vauxhall at Ellesmere Port and Battery Manufacturing Strategy

Debate between Lord Callanan and Lord Field of Birkenhead

Tuesday 2nd March 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

There are a number of good proposals around the country, including from Coventry, for the location of gigafactory investment. Ultimately, of course, the decision will be a commercial matter. Ministers and officials are in close discussion with those developing the Coventry proposals, the Blyth proposals and other factories around the country.

[Lord Field of Birkenhead (CB) [V]]

I thank the Government for their statement. What do the Government need to bring to the table? What does Vauxhall need to bring to the table to ensure that we have in Wirral one of the centres for battery production?

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

A bid from Coventry, bids from the north-west, a bid from the Wirral as well—we totally understand that. The noble Lord will understand that these are commercial decisions. We are willing to stand behind companies and help them develop their proposals, but there are a number of exciting proposals in different parts of the country. I have outlined the financial support that is available. With regard to the future of Vauxhall, or Stellantis as it now is, we are in discussions with it; my right honourable friend the Secretary of State has had a number of meetings with it, and senior officials are meeting it. Those discussions remain confidential at the moment but we are doing all that we can to assist.