Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills today praised the UK automotive industry at an SMMT breakfast event held at the Liberal Democrat Party Conference in Glasgow. His acknowledgement of the sector’s performance came as he opened round table discussions addressing the implementation of government’s industrial strategy for UK automotive.
Vince Cable also reflected on the success of the Automotive Council noting that the automotive industry is proving to be a good model for growth. Commenting on the industrial strategy, the Business Secretary said that industry and government needed to have a long-term framework for collaboration. He also spoke of the importance of the UK’s role in Europe and giving priority to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
Liberal Democrat MPs, MEPs and policy advisors, including Simon Wright MP and Dr John Pugh MP joined the debate with SMMT representatives and SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes. Mr Hawes spoke on behalf of the industry, outlining the recent investments and reflecting that strength is rooted in the sector’s diversity and dynamism.
The Liberal Democrat meeting marks the first of three Party Conference fringe events being hosted by SMMT over the coming weeks, as the industry body continues its high-level engagement with key politicians and stakeholders.
