Vauxhall at Ellesmere Port and Battery Manufacturing Strategy

Rachel Hopkins Excerpts
Monday 1st March 2021

(3 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Kwasi Kwarteng Portrait Kwasi Kwarteng
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The midlands, the Black Country and his constituency are a key part of this story. I have mentioned the 10-point plan many times. It was launched only in November—four months ago—and it has really set the path and set the direction in this area. He is absolutely right: we are 100% committed to success, and I hope that he and his constituents will benefit greatly—I am sure they will—from the transition to a greener and cleaner economy.

Rachel Hopkins Portrait Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab) [V]
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Vauxhall has made cars and vans in my constituency since 1903. The plant’s loyal and efficient workforce and the Unite union reps have worked flexibly with the company over many years to maintain production at that site, including of the successful Vivaro electric van.

The continued and future success of electric vehicle manufacture, including good skilled jobs for my constituents, is reliant not only on battery production and gigafactories but on investment in rapid charging infrastructure, so will the Secretary of State confirm the Government’s commitment to securing investment in this much-needed green infrastructure?