Ford in Bridgend

Albert Owen Excerpts

Monday 10th June 2019 Commons Chamber

[Alun Cairns]

Steven Armstrong, the head of Ford Europe, explicitly said:

“It’s important that we get the agreement ratified that’s on the table at the moment.”

I was happy to vote for that agreement. Was the hon. Gentleman?

[Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab)]

I join the Secretary of State in praising the Welsh Government and the trade unions for the tone they set over the weekend. My thoughts are with the families.

The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee has looked into Brexit and the effect it will have on the manufacturing sector. The automotive sector was very clear that the current deal suits it and that no deal would be an absolute disaster. The Secretary of State has a responsibility today, in making this statement, to give assurances to the Welsh workforce that he will rule out no deal. Will he tell his favoured candidate that that is what the ultimate representatives are saying? Let him not ignore them.

Can we have an industrial strategy that is nimble enough to help those affected by these closures, liquidations and, yes, suspensions, which are becoming a trend?

[Alun Cairns]

The hon. Gentleman points to the statements from the motor manufacturing sector that the current deal suits the sector.

[Albert Owen]

The current deal with Europe.

[Alun Cairns]

The hon. Gentleman talks about remaining in Europe, but the sector strongly supports the deal that the Prime Minister negotiated with the European Commission. The Government and I responded positively to the sector’s statements. Perhaps he should have also supported the sector and responded to it at that time, too.