Wera Hobhouse MP discusses the future of automotive ties between the UK and Germany

21 November 2023

On 9 November, the MP for Bath met with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) alongside industry representatives.

They discussed the future of the automotive industry and the importance of maintaining a dialogue between the UK and Germany to develop new trade relationships. The meeting offered the opportunity to highlight issues of strategic importance.

Mrs Hobhouse recognised the importance of working to enhance the UK’s trading relationships with European production and manufacturing leaders. She shared her hopes of improving the trading relationship between the UK and Germany in the wake of Brexit.

Particularly, Wera Hobhouse, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero, explored with the two major automotive producers the urgent need to begin decarbonising the sector.

Wera Hobhouse, Liberal Democrat MP for Bath, commented:

“It is imperative that we harness the longstanding trading relationship between the UK and Germany. The automotive industry provides the perfect opportunity for this.

“Not only can we improve trading relations, but strengthening our cooperation with Germany will enable us to better deliver on our climate commitments.

“The Prime Minister’s decision to water down our Net Zero targets poses a huge challenge to the automotive industry and the transition towards electric vehicles. The industry needs clear guidance from the government on this, not persistent U-turns.”