Unite, the UK’s largest union representing car workers, described a
£106 million funding package for the research and development of
zero-emission vehicles as ‘chicken feed.’ The funding,
set to be announced by prime minister Theresa May at the Zero
Emission Vehicle Summit today (Tuesday 11 September), is part of a
package to help meet a target for UK roads to be free of petrol and
diesel cars by 2050. Commenting Unite assistant general
secretary Tony Burke...Request free
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Unite, the UK’s largest union representing car workers, described a
£106 million funding package for the research and development of
zero-emission vehicles as ‘chicken feed.’
The funding, set to be announced by prime minister at the Zero Emission Vehicle
Summit today (Tuesday 11 September), is part of a package to help
meet a target for UK roads to be free of petrol and diesel cars by
2050.
Commenting Unite assistant general secretary Tony Burke
said: “Prime minister is all for making big promises
about electric vehicles ahead of party conference season, but if
she's going to put her money where her mouth is and maintain the
automotive sector's world beating position, then it's going to take
more than this chicken feed.
“This is token funding with the hope the market will do the
rest. The automotive sector and the hundreds of thousands of
skilled jobs that rely on it desperately need a serious, long-term
strategy for a just transition from combustion engines to electric
vehicles. We are miles behind the US, Germany and China.
“The government needs to answer the big questions. How will it help
increase take up of electric vehicles? There are 40 million cars on
our roads. If they were all electric vehicles how would they be
powered if we’re not also investing in energy generation?
“How will talent be retained and employment secured for the 78,000
workers across the automotive supply chain? How will government
support the development of manufacturing capability, most
importantly battery production, recycling and on the road
replacements.
“Any serious strategy needs to include a just transition from
diesel and petrol combustion engines to electric. That means
supporting re-skilling and upskilling for workers where needed, and
developing new skills - but also ensuring that Euro6 compliant
clean diesel remains part of the long-term transition for years to
come.”
