Steve Double, Member of Parliament for St Austell and Newquay has today questioned the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, about securing a Gigafactory in Cornwall for the manufacturing of batteries.
Speaking in Parliament today, Steve said:
“Can I thank the Prime Minister for bringing the G7 Leader’s Summit to Cornwall this summer.”
“This will put Cornwall front and centre of the world stage just as we are emerging from this pandemic and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase all that Cornwall has to offer.”
“Not just as an amazing place to visit and our world class food and drink sector, but also the industries of the future – space and renewable energy.”
“I know he is as keen as I am that the G7 will leave a lasting economic legacy for the people of Cornwall.”
“With that it in mind, and with the progress being made in lithium extraction, would he work with me in securing a Gigafactory in Cornwall that would provide that lasting legacy of the well-paid jobs of the future Cornwall needs.”
Speaking after the debate, Steve said:
“There is no doubt that a Gigafactory for manufacturing batteries would be a huge economic boost for Cornwall, bringing inward investment and creating hundreds of well paid jobs for the future. I met earlier this week with Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to discuss the potential for this.”
“With the good progress being made in developing lithium extraction here in Cornwall, I believe there is a strong case to be made for having a Gigafactory in Cornwall.”
“It was good to raise this with the Prime Minister at PMQs today. Although I understand he cannot promise a Gigafactory from the dispatch box at this early stage, I am pleased he has agreed to work with me to explore the potential of having a Gigafactory in Cornwall.”
“There is clearly still a great deal of work to be done to make this happen, but I am ambitious for this to happen in Cornwall and I will now be making it a priority to use the opportunity of the G7 Leaders Summit to make progress towards making this a reality.”