Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with the management and unions of Rolls-Royce on (a) the effect on the supply chain and (b) other effects of a shutdown in production; and if he will make a statement.

The Government has regular engagement with Rolls-Royce on a wide range of issues, including to understand the impact of COVID-19 on its business, employees and UK supply chain and how best to help them through the crisis and into recovery.

Temporarily closing facilities is a commercial decision for Rolls-Royce and I understand the company is currently consulting with Union and Employee representatives around these proposals.