The UK automotive sector is in the midst of a low-volume crisis, and while different car plants are affected in different ways, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Mini Plant Oxford has been (and continues to be) one of the worst hit. 

As one of the biggest employers in Oxford, a significant number of agency workers’ jobs have been lost as the plant adjusts to the government reinstating the 2030 ban date on new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models, the only models the plant currently builds. 

In addition, and due to there being no Electric models being manufactured at Plant Oxford, the increased Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) target for 2026 will potentially create a situation whereby ICE production will be need to be artificially lowered to ensure BMW can hit the 33% via imports, or it will be subject to either a £12,000 fine per car or pushed into buying credits from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tesla. 

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government. Growth will fund our public services, enable investment in our hospitals and schools, and, most importantly, raise living standards for everyone. So it is vital different government departments work in harmony to support UK jobs and industry. It's especially important that the Department of Transport understands the impact of policies like the ZEV mandate on jobs here in Oxford. 

This council therefore resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander to ask her to: 

1. Meet with Unite the Union and its representatives at the factory to hear their concerns and to support?their work to make Oxford the future home of affordable EV production. 

2. Engage to as full an extent as possible with BMW on the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and policies which affect demand for new vehicles and investment and jobs in the UK automotive sector.

Council resolved to:

Support the following motion:

Challenges for the automotive manufacturing sector have impacted countries including France, Italy and the UK, resulting in falling car production figures. This is driven by a number of factors, including competition from cheaper imports.

As one of the biggest employers in Oxford, a significant number of agency workers’ jobs have been lost at the Mini Plant Oxford.

The plant needs to adjust to the government reinstating the 2030 ban date on new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models, the only models the plant currently builds.  Also, due to there being no Electric models being manufactured at the Oxford plant, the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) target for 2026 will potentially create a situation whereby ICE production will need to be artificially lowered to ensure BMW can hit the 33% target via imports. This is to prevent it being subject to either a £12,000 fine per car or pushed into buying credits from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tesla. 

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government.

Growing the economy increases tax revenue, and is one way of funding improvements to public services.

It is vital different government departments work in harmony to support UK jobs and industry. It's especially important that the Department for Transport and the Department for Business and Trade understand what support car plants including our Mini Plant need in order to adapt to the ZEV targets and be ready for the end of new ICE vehicle production. 

This council therefore resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander to ask her to: 

1.  Meet with Unite the Union and its representatives at the factory to hear their concerns and to support?their work to make Oxford the future home of affordable EV production.

2.  Engage to as full an extent as possible with BMW on the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and policies which affect demand for new vehicles and investment and jobs in the UK automotive sector.

3.  Seek support for full economic re-integration with the EU, including pursuit of a customs union and European single market membership, in order to minimise friction to trade and employment.

Councillor Lindas Smith, seconded by Councillor Ottino, proposed the motion as set out in the briefing note, incorporating the two amendments set out in the briefing note. 

Following the debate and on being put to the vote, the motion carried.  

****

Council resolved to:

Support the following motion:

Challenges for the automotive manufacturing sector have impacted countries including France, Italy and the UK, resulting in falling car production figures. This is driven by a number of factors, including competition from cheaper imports.

As one of the biggest employers in Oxford, a significant number of agency workers’ jobs have been lost at the Mini Plant Oxford.

The plant needs to adjust to the government reinstating the 2030 ban date on new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) models, the only models the plant currently builds.  Also, due to there being no Electric models being manufactured at the Oxford plant, the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) target for 2026 will potentially create a situation whereby ICE production will need to be artificially lowered to ensure BMW can hit the 33% target via imports. This is to prevent it being subject to either a £12,000 fine per car or pushed into buying credits from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Tesla. 

Economic growth is the number one mission of the government.

Growing the economy increases tax revenue, and is one way of funding improvements to public services.

It is vital different government departments work in harmony to support UK jobs and industry. It's especially important that the Department for Transport and the Department for Business and Trade understand what support car plants including our Mini Plant need in order to adapt to the ZEV targets and be ready for the end of new ICE vehicle production. 

This council therefore resolves to ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander to ask her to: 

1.  Meet with Unite the Union and its representatives at the factory to hear their concerns and to support?their work to make Oxford the future home of affordable EV production.

2.  Engage to as full an extent as possible with BMW on the UK’s transition to electric vehicles and policies which affect demand for new vehicles and investment and jobs in the UK automotive sector.

3.  Seek support for full economic re-integration with the EU, including pursuit of a customs union and European single market membership, in order to minimise friction to trade and employment.