Karin Smyth MP has given her full backing to a plan unveiled by Lou Haigh MP, the Shadow Transport Secretary, to create 80,000 new jobs by harnessing the opportunities that exist around electric vehicle manufacturing.
The MP for Bristol South has welcomed the commitment outlined at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders which would see the incoming Labour Government invest £2bn into 8 new battery producing gigafactories and set new binding targets to super-charge the role-out of electric charging points.
As of May 2023, there are 780,000 fully electric cars on UK roads with 265,000 battery-electric cars being registered in the UK in 2022 – up 40% on the previous year.
Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, said:
“As the UK moves forward on reducing our carbon output and meet our ambitious net-zero targets, transitioning from traditional diesel and petrol cars will be key. Done right, this transition could create 80,000 new jobs across the UK – including here in the South West – and make the UK a world-leader in the manufacturing of electric vehicles.
“The UK is perfectly placed to be the home of electric vehicle manufacturing. However, there is a global race happening and we risk falling behind Europe and America unless we are bold. The UK has a proud history in motor manufacturing, we have the skills and we have the capacity to we should seize this opportunity with both hands.
“As every day passes it becomes more apparent that if you want a greener and fairer economy then only Labour will deliver. By working with local employers, we can nurture more local jobs and apprenticeships in the modern jobs that will last.”