A Conservative MP has slammed the Metropolitan Police after its decision to swap British Jaguars for German Audis for ministerial vehicles. Last week, it was revealed that the Met plans to use Baden-Württemberg-assembled Audi A8s instead of Jaguar XJs, which have served as ministerial vehicles for more than 30 years.
Sir John, MP for Wokingham, told Express.co.uk that this decision is “ridiculous” and has called on Britain to “reindustrialise”.
He said: “I think this is ridiculous. No other country with a motor industry of its own would do this. The Government has plenty of buying power, it needs to work in collaboration with competing manufacturers in Britain to come up with a cost-effective product.
“Military vehicles as well, even our own ships. All our Naval vessels should be built in British yards but the latest contract has very substantial Spanish content in it all.
“I want to see us reindustrialise in Britain in a sensible way because we have lost too much of our manufacturing capability.”
The was reported the issue had arisen as a result of Brexit.
This comes as another indication that the British car industry is on a slump. In 2021, the UK’s car production dropped to its lowest level since 1956.
The pandemic in 2020 and 2021 led to a shortage in computer chips which hit car production. However, while an improvement was expected as the pandemic subsided, the issue only worsened.
Overall, total UK car production fell by 6.7 percent with just under 860,000 vehicles made, figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders found.
Jonathan Reynolds, Labour’s shadow business secretary, told the Independent that the Government are to blame for the British car industry’s struggles.
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He said: “Twelve years of Tory instability and uncertainty has left our car industry suffering. UK car manufacturing output is less than half the level it was six years ago – a truly harrowing situation for a hard-working industry which deserves better.”
However, a Government spokesperson told the newspaper that they are taking steps to boost the car industry in the future,
A representative from the department of business, energy and industrial strategy said: “We are working to ensure the UK remains one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing.
“We are committed to growing our electric vehicle supply chain and continues to work with investors through our Automotive Transformation Fund to progress plans to build a globally competitive electric vehicle supply chain in the UK.
“Meanwhile, our apprenticeship levy will rise to £2.7bn and will help the sector secure the skills vital for growth.”
