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Press Release

MPs and Peers look to manufacturing to make the UK work again

9 February 2011

Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group

Earlier today, parliamentarians from across the political spectrum recognised the need for manufacturing to take centre-stage in driving the UK's economy.

Launching the Associate Parliamentary Group for Manufacturing (APMG), Chris White MP explained:

"All parties agree that if we are going to get our economy moving again, manufacturing, in all its forms, needs to be at the heart of our plans for growth."

As the 6th largest global manufacturer, the UK relies upon manufacturing to deliver 12.3% of our GDP. It also accounts for 9% of the total UK workforce, and is the destination of 74% of total business spend on research and development. The importance of manufacturing to the UK economy is not to be underestimated.

Co-chairing the new parliamentary group with Labour MP Barry Sheerman, Conservative Chris White MP continued:

"I am very pleased to see this group up and running and believe that it will ensure a strong voice for the sector, bringing together parliamentarians, businesses, experts and trade bodies in a constructive way. I am confident that the group will make a positive contribution to the ongoing economic debate."

The purpose of the group will be to raise awareness of the challenges that face the UK's manufacturing industry, but also to celebrate its successes. As an Associate Parliamentary Group, the APMG will soon begin recruiting members from outside parliament. Membership is open to all interested stakeholders, and it is hoped will include organisations from business, industry, the third sector, and the public sector.

Article Comments

Wasn't there a similar manafacturing group that folded a few years ago through lack of interest?

Max Field
9th Feb 2011 at 8:54 pm



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