Oxford Mini weighed down by 'post-Brexit red tape' - MPs - Voice of Asia

A group of Liberal Democrat MPs are calling on the government to take urgent action to address "post-Brexit red tape" to safeguard the future of jobs at the Oxford Mini factory. This comes after BMW's decision to postpone the resumption of electric vehicle production at the plant, sparking concerns among the MPs.

The MPs held talks with BMW management and union representatives on Monday. Last month, BMW stated that it had decided to pause its £600 million upgrade plan for the Cowley plant due to "multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry." Bicester and Woodstock MP, Calum Miller, told the BBC that many of his constituents work at the plant and are concerned about their jobs.

MP Miller stated: "Because of the way Brexit has been implemented, it takes hundreds of pages of paperwork just to produce a car. If we can work more closely with our European partners to alleviate that burden, it makes it easier for BMW to make the right decision and invest in the future of the Oxford plant." Henley and Thame MP, Freddie van Mierlo, also attended the meeting and expressed concerns about underinvestment in infrastructure.

MP van Mierlo said: "The charging infrastructure simply isn't there, and we haven't seen the UK build battery manufacturing capacity, and that's causing problems." The MPs said their discussions were "productive," and they plan to meet with the industry minister in April to urge the government to clarify its plans for the automotive industry. In 2023, BMW announced plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds to prepare the plant for the production of the next generation of electric vehicles. Production of two new electric Mini models was originally scheduled to begin at the plant in 2026.

The automotive industry has been engaged in a long-running debate with the government over electric vehicle production targets, with manufacturers saying they will be unable to meet the current targets. The Department for Transport said it recognises the challenges they face and is listening to their concerns. The Department for Transport said it is consulting on "re-phasing the 2030 electric vehicle deadline while protecting jobs," adding that the decision "was supported by a majority of manufacturers who have been investing towards this date and are on track to meet their zero emission vehicle mandate targets." The Department for Transport also stated that it is investing over £2.3 billion to support the industry and consumers in the transition to electric vehicles.