Electric Vehicle Battery Production Debate

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Rachel Hopkins

Main Page: Rachel Hopkins (Labour - Luton South)

Electric Vehicle Battery Production

Rachel Hopkins Excerpts
Wednesday 18th January 2023

(1 year, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Graham Stuart Portrait Graham Stuart
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My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I am working closely with the Department for International Trade, the Minister with responsibility for investment and others, and I am delighted to have the Minister for Trade Policy, my right hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea and Fulham (Greg Hands), here beside me. We are absolutely determined to sell the opportunity of the site to contribute to the wider goals we have discussed, and to ensure local jobs and employment. The site offers a tremendous opportunity.

Rachel Hopkins Portrait Rachel Hopkins (Luton South) (Lab)
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Luton has long been associated with the motor manufacturing industry at the Vauxhall plant in my constituency. Workers there will tell you that their futures are under threat without battery factories. Another major worry in the automotive sector is the semiconductor supply chain. We have waited two years for the Government’s review. Can the Minister tell us when we will finally get it?

Graham Stuart Portrait Graham Stuart
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

The hon. Lady is right to highlight the importance of semiconductors to the automotive industry. I hope we will see that coming out as soon as possible.