Ok … I often write political articles for an online journal I have, and constantly send letters and e-mails to our lovely MPs who seldom reply to anything. I did however send two e-mails – one to the Lib Dem Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary and one to the Tory Shadow Secretary of State for Industry – and was surprised that I received a reply from both.
For those who wish to have a copy of the e-mails I sent to both MPs – as both e-mails were different – simply ask.
CONSERVATIVE RESPONSE
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT RESPONSE
I did not edit the content of either of these responses … therefore the error you see in Malcolm’s response is his own or that of the person who wrote it for him.
I must say, in my opinion, I’ve the feeling that the response from Stephen is a better response than that from Malcolm. However … unfortunately as we all know politicians often lie – more often than not – and there is an upcoming general election.
Anyway, I posted these responses here to be discussed by you lot … so let the discussion begin.
For those who wish to have a copy of the e-mails I sent to both MPs – as both e-mails were different – simply ask.
CONSERVATIVE RESPONSE
Thank you for your email of 9 March about the future of MG Rover Group.
The Rover marque is one of the most potent symbols of British industry and the recent difficulties experienced by the company and its employees should concern anyone who is proud of our British manufacturing and engineering heritage.
As you say, I am a free marketeer, and I fear that some of the proposed state intervention in MG Rover Group could set a dangerous precedent. In many ways, not least because it is the UK’s sole remaining volume car manufacturer, Rover’s position is unique, but I fear that a proposal which would effectively let the company defer tax would put the Government in a difficult position when dealing in the future with other companies with a proud and unique British heritage.
I was appalled by an admission in the Independent on Sunday from one police force last September when it explained that buying “anything British, including British cars, was an overtly nationalist statement and could be considered offensive by vulnerable, deprived and ethnic minority groups in our society”. That is political correctness gone into overdrive.
Other forces blame EU procurement laws, but in France, Italy and Germany, the authorities make sure that most of the police cars they buy are manufactured in their home countries. I certainly think that our Rovers and Jaguars are up to the job and anyone who protests that they are too fast is being ridiculous.
I think that the best support that individuals and organisations in Britain can give to British industry is to buy British, and a Conservative Government would make clear that it is not an “overtly nationalist statement” for the British police to use top quality British cars.
Whilst it would be inappropriate to compel their purchase given the need to ensure public services deploy their taxpayer-funded resources on a best value for money basis, I have no hesitation in saying that we would encourage a ‘buy British’ approach and look to remove any regulatory barriers or unfairness that deterred a buy British approach.
Once again, thank you for writing.
Yours sincerely,
Stephen O’Brien MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Industry
LIBERAL DEMOCRAT RESPONSE
Thank you for your recent email. I am sorry for the delay in responding.
I too am very concerned about the state of the British motor industry. I share your view that it is very important for the UK to maintain an industry in which British companies manufacture British cars. At the very least, a healthy motor industry protects and creates jobs in areas where car plants are often the sole provider of employment.
The Government has a role in promoting the interests of British industry, including the British motor industry. There are a variety of ways in which the Government can boost a companies competitiveness and growth, such as developing the skills base, improving the surrounding infrastructure and using export promotion.
However, I do not believe it is the role of Government to prop up failing industries. Using taxpayers money to maintain industries which are not competitive does not in the long term promote overall national prosperity. A Liberal Democrat Government would not maintain an environment in which industry and business is predominantly determined by state intervention rather than market forces.
I am hesitant to believe the newspaper article statement regarding the use of British cars by national police forces. Certainly, were this report to be true, it would be cause for significant concern.
Thank you for getting in touch about this important issue. I can assure you that a Liberal Democrat Government view the British motor industry to be a vital component in the UK economy and would do everything it could to maintain it.
Yours sincerely,
Malcolm Bruce MP
Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Trade and Industry
I did not edit the content of either of these responses … therefore the error you see in Malcolm’s response is his own or that of the person who wrote it for him.
I must say, in my opinion, I’ve the feeling that the response from Stephen is a better response than that from Malcolm. However … unfortunately as we all know politicians often lie – more often than not – and there is an upcoming general election.
Anyway, I posted these responses here to be discussed by you lot … so let the discussion begin.