All 1 Debates between Laurence Robertson and Mark Tami

Aerospace Industry

Debate between Laurence Robertson and Mark Tami
Tuesday 2nd September 2014

(9 years, 8 months ago)

Westminster Hall
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts

Westminster Hall is an alternative Chamber for MPs to hold debates, named after the adjoining Westminster Hall.

Each debate is chaired by an MP from the Panel of Chairs, rather than the Speaker or Deputy Speaker. A Government Minister will give the final speech, and no votes may be called on the debate topic.

This information is provided by Parallel Parliament and does not comprise part of the offical record

Mark Tami Portrait Mark Tami
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I thank the hon. Gentleman for that. Such a move would affect not only Airbus, but also the many thousands in the supply chain.

Laurence Robertson Portrait Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con)
- Hansard - -

The hon. Gentleman is making a good speech. However, the biggest employer in my constituency is GE Aviation, an American company that has been visited by ex-Ministers. There was concern about its plans when it took over the plant, but it has heavily invested in it.

Mark Tami Portrait Mark Tami
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I clearly welcome that. As I have said, it is good that we have American companies over here, but I would like to see more British companies buy companies in America, although that often seems difficult. There are great opportunities for us, but there are threats as well. We must learn the lessons of the past. We have lost many manufacturing companies that we thought would go on for ever, and many will never return. Aerospace is a great opportunity and we must grasp it and invest, not just let it fall by the wayside.