A group of senior West Midlands MPs has written to Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle MP demanding urgent Government intervention following the cyber attack that has crippled
Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) operations since 1 September. Production across JLR’s UK sites remains suspended, with the shutdown now extended to at least 24 September and fears it could last longer. The MPs warn the disruption is threatening the region’s economy and the UK’s wider automotive sector.
In their joint letter earlier this week, the MPs describe the situation as “a serious threat” to the West Midlands economy, noting that JLR supports over 100,000 supply chain jobs in addition to its 36,000-strong workforce and £18 billion contribution to UK GDP. Suppliers are reportedly facing severe liquidity issues, with some already considering layoffs.
The MPs are calling for the Department for Business and Trade to coordinate with HM Treasury and UK banks to provide short-term, fully repayable loans to stabilise the supply chain. They also urge insurers to expedite claims related to the incident.
The MPs expressed frustration with the Government’s 19 September statement, which they say lacked any concrete measures. The letter states “Words are cold comfort. Without immediate action and focused support, the damage to the UK’s automotive sector and manufacturing base could be deep and irreversible.”
The letter was signed by Saqib Bhatti MP, Sir Andrew Mitchell MP, Sir Gavin Williamson MP, Wendy Morton MP, Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP, and Mike Wood MP. They pressed the Secretary of State to confirm whether the Government has any plans to support the automotive supply chain through what they describe as a “unique and exceptional situation.” They concluded: “JLR is part of the fabric of the West Midlands. In situations such as these, not doing anything is an active decision too and it will have huge implications.”
The UK Government has not yet committed to direct financial support for JLR or its supply chain despite the mounting pressure from MPs, unions, and industry leaders.