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

To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Henley on 4 June (HL15847), what recent assessment they have made of the impact of (1) Honda's decision to close its Swindon plant in 2021, and (2) other recent announcements by car manufacturers, on the steel industry in the UK.

The Government is working with the car manufacturers and key industry groups to identify and assess supply chain risks in all cases where car manufacturing operations are expected to cease or reduce. It is a complex picture and it is difficult to project the impact on suppliers. Every effort is being made to support affected suppliers to identify new opportunities to sustain and potentially grow their businesses before the impact of these announcements comes to pass.

The Government will continue to assess UK wide supply chain risks have so far identified over 60 supply chain companies directly impacted by the Honda decision. We are working across all LEP areas and with the Devolved Nations to protect and support Honda supply chain businesses across the UK. As well as work across Government to measure the potential short and long-term economic shock from Honda and any supply chain closures on the UK economy (including within other sectors).

There are more than 2500 automotive supply chain companies in the UK, including 18 of the world's 20 biggest automotive suppliers, producing approximately £12.7bn worth of parts.

We are ensuring everything is being done to support businesses, their workforce and communities affected by the announcements. We continue the strive to attract investment, creating highly-skilled jobs that offer fulfilling careers for years to come.