Ahead of next week’s General Election, the Institute of the Motor Industry’s (IMI) Policy and Public Affairs Lead, Hayley Pells, has analysed the UK political party manifestos to assist members in navigating policies.
The General Election Guide 2024 has been published on the IMI website to provide members with a helpful guide on the parties’ propositions to addressing the big issues affecting the UK’s automotive sector. Says Pells:
“Clearly the devil is in the detail, however the IMI is encouraged to see that almost every party recognises the significance of building skills with policies to address the current challenges around further education and apprenticeships, as well as maintaining a focus on achieving net zero.
“As previously stated, we believe there is a clear opportunity for the next Government to learn from the past and provide the support and infrastructure that will ensure UK automotive remains a global leader, as well as give UK motorists and businesses confidence. The IMI has worked hard to engage with all political parties over the last few years to ensure there is a good understanding of what’s needed to keep UK motorists and road users safe. The knowledge and expertise has been provided and we very much hope the next Government will place the right emphasis on automotive.”
The institute’s top takes include:
Conservative Party
Continued backing of the UK automotive industry is a clear commitment as well as a focus on skills with the promise of 100,000 more apprenticeships in England; Lifelong Learning Entitlement and expanded Adult Skills programmes as well as incentives to attract new teachers for STEM subjects. The Conservative Party has also maintained its promise to deliver the ZEV mandate and support the Automated Vehicles Bill.
Green Party
Underpinned by the belief that the UK’s current climate targets do not reflect the urgency of the climate crisis, and acknowledging that it won’t be the party of Government, the Green Party has committed to push the party in power to transition to a zero-carbon society as soon as possible, and more than a decade ahead of 2050. It has identified the reduction of private vehicle transport as a key issue. It has also proposed a £12.4bn investment in skills and training for workers to be equipped for the green economy.
Labour Party
With a plan to allocate £1.5 billion to new gigafactories, the Labour Party manifesto includes support for the transition to electric vehicles by accelerating the roll out of charge points as well as restoring the phase-out date of 2030 for new cars with internal combustion engines. Recognising the significance of skills, the Labour Party proposes a Youth Guarantee to provide access to training for all 18 to 21 year olds as well as reforming the apprenticeships model.
Liberal Democrat Party
The Liberal Democrats propose creating an Industrial Strategy focused on future skills as well as replacing the Apprenticeship Levy and reviewing Further Education funding. The party also proposes an increased investment in green infrastructure including renewable energy and zero-carbon transport, making it cheaper and easier for motorists to switch to electric as well as providing skills training, incentives and advice to help families and businesses with the transition to net zero.
Plaid Cymru
Whilst not specifically focusing on the automotive sector, Plaid Cymru’s manifesto includes the commitment to place vocational education on the same foundations as academic learning in school and university. It is also proposing to create a Lifetime Learning Allowance and advocating for an Apprenticeship Living Wage.
Reform UK Party
Whilst the Reform UK party has proposed a contract rather than a manifesto, it includes a focus on benefit support and training for 16-34 year olds.
Scottish National Party
There is no specific focus on automotive in the SNP manifesto although the party does propose several initiatives to encourage EV adoption including removing VAT from on-street EV charging and an EV car lease fund for low income households. There is also no reference to any adjustments to the apprenticeship model.
(Pic – Yay images)
