Gordon Brown pledge to help Jaguar Land Rover

Jan 9 2009 by Jon Walker and Jon Griffin

“We are determined to do what we can to help, but I don’t think we are in a position where we have been asked to put up a particular sum.

“This is part of a discussion we are having with the company.”

However, the Prime Minister also stressed that Jaguar Land Rover’s Indian owners Tata Group must act to ensure the carmaker was successful.

“We are aware of the issues affecting directly Jaguar Land Rover, because we have been talking to the Tata group itself and these talks are continuing.”

Asked when a decision would be made on whether to provide bridging loans, he said: “I can’t say that. What I can say is that discussions and talks are taking place, and have been taking place.”

Jaguar Land Rover has privately complained about the delay in making a decision, after motor industry representatives first raised concerns about finance with the Government in September.

But Mr Brown said the Government still had questions that required answers before funding could be provided

“We are in discussions with the Tata Group. I think it’s fair to say that when you have these discussions a number of issues arise and they’ve got to be resolved.”

However, the Prime Minister said he saw a bright future for the automotive industry in the UK, despite the difficulties afflicting Jaguar Land Rover and the dramatic announcement this week that Nissan is to axe 1,200 jobs in Sunderland.

“I believe the standard of the models produced in Britain and the technology that companies have is very good indeed, and I believe the car industry has a very strong future.”

As the Mail went to press today, the number of e-signatures on the petition launched on Number 10’s website calling for government support for JLR grew to more than 5,000 – just four days after it was launched.

The Birmingham Mail’s ‘Support Jaguar Land Rover Now!’ campaign is also being run in the Birmingham Post, the Coventry Telegraph, the Liverpool Daily Post and the Liverpool Echo, a unique media partnership aiming to persuade swift Government action.