Ken Urges Government to Support Jaguar
Cllr Ken Taylor, Conservative Leader of Coventry City Council, will call upon the Government to urgently give financial support to Jaguar Land Rover in an address to the Council today.
Councillor Taylor will pledge his support to the Coventry Telegraph's campaign to save Jag and will urge fellow councillors from all parties to do the same.
In his statement to the meeting of the Council this afternoon Councillor Taylor will ask councillors to sign the Coventry Telegraph's petition asking the Government to provide a short-term loan or loan guarantee to help JLR survive the current economic crisis. The petition can be signed in the main Council House reception area as well as Central Library in the city centre.
He said: "We need to send the strongest possible message to the Government that its support is vital if one the UK's proudest and most internationally recognised companies is to survive.
"This isn't a bail-out for big business and should not be seen as one. It is a helping hand to safeguard the jobs of thousands of Coventry and Warwickshire people - not only those who work directly for JLR but the many more whose livelihoods depend on supplying and making parts for the company. The effect on the local economy could be catastrophic if JLR didn't get the support it needs."
Councillor Taylor attended the Regional Economic Council last week in his role as Chair of the West Midlands Local Government Association where regional leaders were able to urge the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Business Secretary to give financial support.
He said: "While they gave no details of an aid package I am left feeling hopeful that something may be on the agenda. Jaguar Land Rover is a company that lies at the heart of so many local people and I will be asking the entire Council to join me in giving their support to the campaign."