MATT Western will be driving a future agenda in parliament.
The Warwick and Leamington MP has been elected new chair of the all-party parliamentary group on electric vehicles.
Mr Western brings over 25 years first-hand experience in the automotive industry to the role, along with high profile car manufacturers in his constituency including Gaydon-based Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin – both of which have been making waves in the electric vehicle industry recently.
Jaguar Land Rover received a £500 million loan from the government to develop electric vehicles and Aston Martin is producing an electric vehicle for the next James Bond film.
Mr Western is a strong advocate for renewable energy and clean technology both in parliament and out, frequently championing renewables in the chamber and carrying out his own ‘net zero home’ project in his spare time.
Mr Western believes electric vehicles are vital in achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and improving air quality and is looking forward to being at the forefront of shaping the industry and UK policy in this new role.
He said: “Chairing the all-party parliamentary group gives me the opportunity to sink my teeth into two areas I’m really passionate about – renewable energy and the automotive industry.
“The last few years have been extraordinary for the sector and electric vehicles are not just our future but our present. Having worked in the industry for over 25 years and representing some of the UK’s leading car manufacturers in my constituency, I am confident that I will be able steer the group to the forefront of UK electric vehicle policy.”
Mr Western replaces Rebecca Pow MP who has stepped down following her new role as a parliamentary under-secretary at the department for digital, culture, media and sport.
