MP urges Government to follow up with action

A Sunderland MP has urged the Government to back up Nissan’s commitment to the city with action.

Global chief operating officer Ash waniGu pt a has said the UK’s Brexit deal has given the Wearside plant a competitive advantage and secured the futureof thousands of jobs across Europe.

Sharon Hodgson, whose Washington and Sunderland West constituency covers the plant, said it was up to the Government to back up the firm’s commitment.

She said: "The complex arrangements for automotive rules of origin within the trade deal mean that the goal posts will gradually move as we transition to zero-emissions vehicles.

"We need the Government to show now that it has a plan for the sector beyond the next couple of years.”

The B rex it deal was only the first step, she said, and more was needed to safeguard the plant’s long-term future.

“The Government must engage with Nissan, to build the infrastructure for the wider supply chain for batteries and electric vehicles here in the NorthEast ,” said Mrs Hodgs on.

"That is what is needed by 2025forthelong-termviability of Nissan.

"We need a clear industrial strategy that supports and deliversfor our automotive sector – nothing less."

NorthEast Automotive Alliance chief executive Paul Butler said the announcement was ‘extremely positive for the North East’s automotive sector’.

“This only strengthens our claim to be the UK’s leading location for vehicle electrification, and I am sure will strengthen the case for more on shoring of key commodities required for battery production,” he said.