UK Automotive and Components Sector

Debate between Lord Leong and Lord Woodley

Wednesday 9th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, our position is very clear: we are where we are and we are not joining the customs union. The Government will defend the interests of British manufacturers and our deeply integrated UK-EU automotive supply chains. Where the proposed IAA “Made in Europe” risks disadvantaging them, the Secretary of State and Trade Minister have raised our concerns directly with EU member states, their commissioners and MEPs. The proposal is not final, and we continue to work with the industry to assess its impact. Now is the time for like-minded partners to strengthen growth, resilience and economic stability.

[Lord Woodley (Lab)]

My Lords, Jaguar partly blames the ZEV mandate for these job cuts, a situation that I am glad to say the Government acknowledge with their current consultation aimed at reducing this mandate to protect up to 200,000 automotive jobs. However, do the Government regret the recent announcement that Jaguar is going to build the new Freelander—originally built in Halewood—in China, where Chery, whose sister company, Jaecoo, the top-selling Chinese brand in Britain, is making and selling Range Rover lookalikes for less than a third of the Range Rover price? Stealing the family silver is one thing; giving it away is another. How is that good for British jobs?

[Lord Leong (Lab)]

My Lords, the Government have no intention of intervening in individual business decisions. What Jaguar Land Rover decides and who its partners are is entirely the responsibility of Jaguar Land Rover. Having said that, we work very closely with JLR, the trade unions and local partners to ensure that no affected worker is left without support. We will continue working with unions, community leaders and the company itself to ensure that all workers will be treated fairly when the consultation happens, and that no worker will be left without support.