Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Industry Minister Chris McDonald visit JLR and supply chain firms to address impacts of the ongoing cyber incident, support workers, and ensure resilience in the UK automotive industry.
UK Ministers Visit JLR (Jaguar Land Rover)
UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle and Industry Minister Chris McDonald visited Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Gaydon headquarters today to engage with the company’s leadership, supply chain firms, and workers affected by the ongoing cyber incident. The visit highlights the government’s commitment to supporting the automotive sector, a crucial part of the UK’s manufacturing industry that provides thousands of skilled jobs and drives innovation.
During the visit, the ministers met with JLR’s CEO and senior executives to discuss the current situation and the impact of the cyberattack on the company’s operations. They received in-person briefings detailing the incident, its implications for production, and measures being implemented to restore normal operations. The discussions also focused on how JLR can work towards restarting production safely and efficiently.
Following the briefings, both ministers toured the Gaydon site, interacting with workers who have been unable to perform their duties since the cyber incident occurred. The visit offered the ministers a firsthand perspective on the challenges facing employees and suppliers, underlining the severity of the situation. Peter Kyle and Chris McDonald acknowledged the importance of the automotive sector not only for local employment but also for its broader contribution to UK manufacturing growth and innovation.
The government’s engagement with JLR forms part of a broader effort to strengthen the UK automotive industry under its modern Industrial Strategy and the Plan for Change. These initiatives aim to provide security, foster innovation, and support the transition towards zero-emission vehicles while safeguarding domestic jobs. The visit also reinforced the government’s recent announcements for the sector, described as the most significant in the past decade. These include landmark trade deals to boost exports and updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to encourage UK manufacturers.
In addition to JLR, the ministers visited Webasto’s Sutton Coldfield site to engage with the supply chain firm directly impacted by the cyber incident. This visit aimed to assess the resilience of the wider supply chain and understand the measures being taken to minimise disruption across the sector. The government’s approach demonstrates its commitment to working closely with both manufacturers and suppliers to maintain operational continuity and protect jobs.
Speaking after the visit, Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle said, “I know this is a deeply worrying time for all those affected by the ongoing cyber incident, and that’s why I visited JLR today to hear from the company, supply chain, and workers.”
“Getting JLR back online as soon as possible is my top priority, providing much-needed certainty to workers and suppliers. This government is on the side of our world-leading automotive sector, and by working closely with JLR and the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact of this incident, as well as helping the sector thrive long into the future through our modern Industrial Strategy.”
Since last week, government ministers have held multiple discussions with representatives from businesses, trade unions, trade associations, and local authorities to address the impacts of the cyber incident and provide reassurance. The National Cyber Security Centre is also actively involved, coordinating the operational response to the incident and ensuring that expertise is provided to mitigate its effects.
The ongoing support for JLR and its supply chain reflects the government’s recognition of the automotive industry as a cornerstone of UK manufacturing. By prioritising the restoration of production and collaborating with industry bodies, the government aims to safeguard jobs, maintain competitiveness, and support long-term innovation in the sector.
With the cyber incident disrupting operations, the visit of Peter Kyle and Chris McDonald sends a clear message that the government is committed to working alongside key stakeholders to protect the automotive industry’s future. The proactive measures, engagement with affected workers, and focus on supply chain resilience demonstrate a coordinated effort to minimise the economic impact of the incident while ensuring that the UK remains a global leader in automotive manufacturing and innovation.
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