Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on job cuts in the UK manufacturing sector.

The Government has not made an assessment of the impact of Brexit uncertainty on job cuts in the UK manufacturing sector. It is clear that the lack of a clear future trading arrangement with the European Union is causing difficulties for companies planning future volumes and production schedules. The Government is determined to give clarity with a deal on the nature of that future trading arrangement agreed as soon as possible.

The Government recognises that the manufacturing sector remains a vital contributor to the economy of the UK, driving innovation, exports, job creation, and productivity growth and we are committed to supporting the sector as the UK exits Europe. Through our modern Industrial Strategy and Made Smarter – our key national industrial digitalisation programme – we are building an economy fit for the future. As the 9th largest global manufacturing economy, we are – and will continue to be – a major manufacturing nation.