Rugby’s MP Mark Pawsey has reiterated his calls for the need for a deal to be agreed between the UK and the European Union ahead of the UK’s departure from the EU on October 31st 2019.
During last week’s Prime Minister’s Questions, Mark spoke about the recent figures from the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders which showed that in April, production in the UK’s automotive sector fell by 44%. This slowdown has been attributed in part to the uncertainty of the UK’s departure from the EU, which was due to take place on March 29th 2019 but has now been extended to October 31st after Parliament refused to agree the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Theresa May.
Responding for the Prime Minister, who was attending the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Portsmouth, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office David Lidington MP spoke about the importance of the car industry to UK manufacturing. He also said that preserving the just-in-time cross-border supply chains which supports jobs throughout the UK is a key goal of the Government in negotiating Brexit.
Speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions, Mark said:
“We need to deliver on the result of the referendum, where the country voted to leave the EU. But I have always been clear that as we do so, we must deliver a deal which will retain our reputation as one of the best countries in the world to do business.”
Mark continued:
“Automotive manufacturing is at the heart of the Midlands economy and it’s resurgence is behind for the great growth we have seen over recent years. Our future relationship with the EU must give these businesses the confidence to continue operating in the UK, and I am concerned that the recent figures from the SMMT show that the continued uncertainty is having a real effect on my constituent’s jobs.”
Mark concluded:
“In my role as a member of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee, I have heard considerable evidence from business leaders about the impact that leaving the EU without a deal would have for our economy. It is absolutely imperative that we agree an orderly withdrawal agreement to protect jobs here in Rugby and I will continue to make that case in Parliament.”
