MP MATT Western has called on the government to take action following the cyber attack at Jaguar Land Rover.
Over the past year, a wave of cyber-attacks has caused unprecedented damage and disruption to the British economy, with some of the nation’s most recognisable brands among those targeted. This surge in digital crime has raised urgent questions about the resilience of UK businesses and the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures.
Following the recent cyber incident at Gaydon-based Jaguar Land Rover, Warwick and Leamington MP Mr Western, who is also chair of the joint committee of national security strategy, has called on the government to “treat these threats with the seriousness they deserve” and “step up and save the jobs affected in the supply chain”.
In the wake of the breach, Mr Western has been in frequent contact with JLR, supply chain firms and government officials.
He says it is imperative the government steps up to protect firms across the West Midlands and is calling for three measures to be put in place – emergency government backed loans to support firms through the closure, a support mechanism for firms affected by JLR’s closure, and a furlough scheme or similar for workers.
Mr Western confirmed that the joint committee of national security strategy will take a strong interest in the government’s work on protecting the economy and critical national infrastructure from cyber threats.
He added: “The recent attacks on JLR and the potential job losses highlight that this is a serious and grave threat to the economy. The committee will be following the government’s response closely.”
Production at Jaguar Land Rover is still at a standstill following the cyber attack at the end of August, with the closure expected to last until at least October 1. There had been hopes manufacturing could resume on Wednesday September 24.
The extension will cost JLR tens of millions of pounds a day in lost revenue as well as raising major concerns about companies and jobs in the supply chain.
More than 33,000 people work directly for JLR in the UK, many of them employed on assembly lines in the West Midlands.
An estimated 200,000 more are employed by several hundred companies in the supply chain, who face a prolonged interruption to trade with what for many will be their largest client.
