SOLIHULL MPS have backed a call for urgent and tangible government action following the ongoing cyber incident at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) that has halted production across its sites.
Since September 1, production at JLR, including the Lode Lane and Castle Bromwich sites, has been suspended due to a significant cyber-attack and concerns are growing over the economic ripple effect across the automotive supply chain.
In a joint letter to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, backed by Saqib Bhatti for Meriden and Solihull East and Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst for Solihull West and Shirley, the MPs warn that the prolonged production halt poses a serious threat to the West Midlands economy and the UK’s broader automotive sector.
JLR, which employs over 36,000 people and contributes £18billion to UK GDP, supports a vast supply chain comprising over 100,000 jobs, many of which are now at risk.
The MPs highlight that many suppliers are facing severe liquidity issues and are being forced to consider layoffs.
Theyy are calling for the Department for Business and Trade to urgently use their convening power with HM Treasury and UK banks to provide short-term, fully repayable loans to stabilise affected suppliers.
They are also demanding that insurers expedite any claims related to the cyber incident without delay.
The MPs expressed disappointment with the government’s statement issued on 19 September, criticising its lack of concrete measures to support the supply chain.
The letter states: “Words are cold comfort.
“Without immediate action and focused support, the damage to the UK’s automotive sector and manufacturing base could be deep and irreversible.
“Jaguar Land Rover is part of the fabric of the West Midlands.
“In situations such as these, not doing anything is an active decision too and it will have huge implications.”
The letter was also signed Sir Andrew Mitchell MP for Sutton Coldfield, Sir Gavin Williamson MP forStone, Great Wryley and Penkridge, Wendy Morton MP for Aldridge-Brownhills and Mike Wood MP for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire.
The MPs urged the Secretary of State to confirm whether the government has any plans to support the automotive supply chain through this unique and exceptional situation.
