Britain’s International Trade Secretary must “future-proof” its economy by investing in cutting-edge green technology Kemi Badenach said.
In a speech at the exhibition of green trade and investment in Gateshead, Tyne and WearMs Badenock will say on Tuesday that new technologies to tackle climate change are creating high-paying, skilled jobs while providing a path to future energy security.
Her call came amid warnings that British battery company Britishvolt, which was developing a £3.8 billion gigafactory in Blyth, Northumberlandfaces possible administration, putting nearly 300 jobs at risk.
Now is the time to prepare our economy for the future by investing in advanced green technologies
In her speech, Ms Badenach is expected to highlight the UK’s success over the past two years in securing nearly £20 billion in green investment, which has created more than 11,000 new jobs.
In a statement before her speech, she said: “We know that trade and investment grow our economy, create jobs and put money in people’s pockets, but they also have the power to solve the problems we see around the world.
“Now is the time to prepare our economy for the future by investing in advanced green technologies, protecting our long-term energy security and creating thousands of jobs in the industries of the future.
“I am committed to continuing to bang the trade drum for the UK to drive economic growth and take the UK to new heights for generations to come.”
Among the announcements expected at the event is the confirmation of a £26m funding package for a bus manufacturer in Northern Ireland Writebusto support the export of zero-emission buses worldwide, including to Australia and Germany.
Meanwhile, Flogas will confirm a £50m investment to upgrade its Avonmouth terminal to store liquefied petroleum gas and handle renewable biogas and hydrogen, opening up potential global renewable fuel supplies to the UK.
https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/badenoch-calls-for-green-investment-to-futureproof-uk-economy-b1036564.html
