Prime Minister Andy Burnham labels this Solihull company ‘jewel in the crown’ of UK economy

Jaguar Land Rover has been hailed as the “jewel in the crown” of the UK economy by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Speaking to BBC Politics West Midlands, Mr Burnham praised JLR and the wider automotive industry across the region, while insisting there is still a future for mass car production in Britain.

“We’re so proud of JLR and indeed the whole automotive sector across the West Midlands,” he said.

“It’s the jewel in the crown of the UK economy.”

The comments come as JLR faces a challenging period, with the company announcing plans to cut 4,000 jobs amid pressures in the global car market.

The future of the wider automotive supply chain has also been brought into focus.

JLR suppliers have written to the Government calling for support to help automotive businesses diversify into sectors including aerospace and defence.

They warned that the automotive supply chain was “in the wrong market” and described JLR’s planned job cuts as the “first visible crack” in a supply chain supporting around 183,000 manufacturing jobs.

Mr Burnham said the concerns would be taken seriously, but stressed that protecting car manufacturing remained a priority.

“Those companies that have written, we will take seriously what they’ve said, as well as supporting the primary interest which is the car industry in the West Midlands,” he said.

He also addressed concerns over the UK’s relationship with the European Union and proposed “Made in Europe” rules.

Mr Burnham said the Government was working with Europe to ensure changes did not put British manufacturers at a disadvantage.

“There are pressures in the global car market,” he said.

“But we’re working hard in relation to Europe to make sure that any changes that come through there don’t negatively impact on the British car industry.”

JLR’s Solihull plant is a major part of the local economy and sits at the heart of a much wider automotive supply chain across the West Midlands.

Mr Burnham said the Government would not allow major industries facing difficulties to simply decline.

He pointed to the loss of industries across the West Midlands and North West during the 1980s, saying: “I would never do that.”

Supporting the transition of established industries is part of the Government’s wider plans for reindustrialisation, he added.

The comments provide a fresh show of support for JLR at a time when the future shape of the automotive industry is being debated, with pressure on manufacturers to adapt to changing markets while maintaining jobs and investment in Britain.