Lords debates strengthening manufacturing sector
4 July 2014
Members of the House of Lords, including manufacturers and business people, debated the case for strengthening the UK's manufacturing sector, stimulating investment and innovation in new technologies, and encouraging young people to seek a career in manufacturing, on 3 July.
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All members spoke of the importance of the manufacturing sector to the UK, producing half UK exports and employing millions of people. Many argued that investment and development in skills and people was at the heart of strengthening the sector. Members outlined the importance of quality apprenticeships, improving links between higher education and industry and increasing the attractiveness of careers in engineering - they said the joy of making things should be better promoted to young people.
Members highlighted other contributing factors: free trade, encouraging innovation and creativity, allowing research and development to prosper, protecting intellectual property, a positive role for trade unions and robust supply chains. The recent signs of businesses 'reshoring' - re-locating their production back to the UK - were also noted.
Viscount Younger of Leckie (Conservative), government spokesperson for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills responded on behalf of the government. He set out measures in the government's 2012 Industrial Strategy that are supporting UK manufacturing as well as its programmes investing in science innovation and skills and education.
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