My trade deals will protect 95,000 jobs in the West Midlands, says Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Ahead of a meeting with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker today (Friday, May 23), Sir Keir Starmer said that the three trade deals would protect thousands of jobs in the region's farming, automotive and steel industries.

Sir Keir said the US and India deals, which significantly cut tariffs on British car exports, would be of particular benefit to car manufacturers in the region, increasing access to the world's fastest-growing economy.

Almost a third of the UK automotive sector's workforce is based in the West Midlands, with Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin and Morgan based in the area. BMW also has a plant at Hams Hall, Birmingham. The West Midlands is also a major UK region for exports to the US, accounting for £8.5 billion last year. 

It would also deliver opportunities for major job creators in the region, such as Jaguar Land Rover, to grow, he added.

Sir Keir said: “These trade deals that we have closed deliver stability for 50,000 workers employed in automotive manufacturing in the West Midlands.   

“It also will create opportunities for more seamless trade, attracting inward investment that will grow the local economy and make a difference to people’s lives.  

“These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across the West Midlands.”

He added that this week's deal with the European Union would benefit 40,000 people employed in agriculture across the region through fewer import checks and less red tape, meaning that produce grown in the West Midlands had easy access to the UK’s biggest trading partner.

British steel exports would also be protected from new EU rules and restrictive tariffs, through a bespoke arrangement for the UK, helping to protect 5,000 people employed in the region's steel industry.

The Prime Minister will today tell a meeting of the English elected mayors and the leaders from the devolved governments for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that his trade deals with India, the United States and the EU will deliver economic growth that will improve people’s lives at home.      

 The deals have been welcomed by Lord Bamford, chairman of Staffordshire-based JCB, which is a major exporter to both the US and India.

He said: “I’m very pleased that the UK Government have got both the US and India trade deals over the line. 

"India is the world’s most populous country with over 1.4 billion people living in the world’s largest democracy. 

"I know from JCB’s experience of making and selling machines in India that British businesses looking to trade with India will be welcomed with open arms. The opportunity is huge, and the free trade agreement will open the door to much improved trade between our countries, in both directions.” 

Lord Bamford added that the US was the world's largest market for construction equipment. 

"JCB has been manufacturing there for 50 years, so it’s vital we have a strong presence in the US market," he said.

"We will carry on with our recently announced plans to double the size of our new factory in San Antonio, Texas but the USA will still remain an important export market for certain UK-made machines. Ultimately, we need the removal of that 10 per cent baseline tariff to support the export side of our business.”

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the three deals showed how the Government was serious about boosting business.

 “We are delivering billions for the UK economy and wages every year as part of our Plan for Change," he said.

"For businesses in the West Midlands, these deals will mean stability and jobs protected as they seize new opportunities to sell to some of our biggest trading partners.” 

Foreign Secretary David Lammy added: "The Economic Prosperity Deal is the first such agreement made by this US administration and a testament to the deep and enduring relationship that the UK and US share.

“We are going further and faster to deliver economic growth, working with our allies around the world to drive prosperity and give certainty to businesses and customers alike.”

The deal with India will see tariffs on cars reduced from more than 100 per cent to 10 per cent providing they do not exceed a quota, while other tariff reduction will support the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Britain's new trade commissioner to North America Oliver Keele - a graduate of Staffordshire's Keele University - said he was proud to be championing the UK and the West Midlands in North America at such a crucial time.    

 “The US is one of the West Midlands’ biggest export destinations," he said.

"Over half of those exports come from the automotive industry, with some of the UK’s most well-known car manufacturers based in the area including Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin.  

 “The deal we have negotiated will cut tariffs on cars from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent for 100,000 vehicles every year, saving millions for carmakers in the region and protecting thousands of jobs.”