Make UK comment on PM announcement

Commenting on the announcement by the Prime Minister today, Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said:

“The announcement that the Government will be watering down its net zero policies is a huge setback for manufacturers who require stability and confidence in order to invest. Many companies will have spent time and money planning on the basis of firm targets and we now run the risk of falling behind our international counterparts as a home for green technologies if we persist in frequently altering policies that impact businesses directly. This will hit SME businesses in the automotive supply chain particularly hard.

“This is a timely reminder that the UK also needs a long-term industrial strategy which encourages innovation in advanced, high value technologies such as net zero and AI to stimulate growth and skilled employment. This announcement sends entirely the wrong signal and suggests if we aren’t looking forward, we are simply going backwards.”