Ministers Must Act Now to Support Borders Textiles Industry (Shetland Liberal Democrats)

Shetland Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

Ministers Must Act Now to Support Borders Textiles Industry

July 27, 2009 9:52 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

MP Michael Moore has called on the Government to take urgent action to protect Borders textile firms after redundancies in the sector in recent months. Speaking during a debate in the House of Commons on Tuesday, he warned that further job losses are inevitable unless immediate support for the industry is forthcoming.

Mr Moore pressed Ministers to ensure that firms can access export credit insurance and adequate banking facilities, urging them to guarantee that the Borders' many world class textiles companies would receive the support they need to remain economically viable.Michael Moore MP: Borders

Last week, Mr Moore met with Ian Lucas MP, Minister of State for Textiles, and Ken Pasternak, chairman of the Scottish Cashmere Club, to discuss the difficulties being experienced across the industry as a result of the economic downturn. In the debate, Mr Moore repeated the concerns of the industry which had been put to Mr Lucas.

Speaking after the debate, Mr Moore said:

'Borders' textiles firms have a justified international reputation for the quality of their work, but despite having full order books, many companies are struggling to secure the necessary credit insurance and bridging loans they need to survive.

'Italy, Spain and Portugal have all invested in skills training and product development in their own textile industries; it is time that Ministers recognised that similar actions will be required here too if further redundancies are to be avoided.

'Although the priority must be providing those who have been made redundant with the necessary assistance, without Government support the future of textiles in the Borders remains horribly uncertain. I will continue to work with industry representatives to ensure that Ministers are aware of the steps need to be taken if we are to protect jobs'.

Notes:

The full text of Mr Moore's speech is available online at:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090721/debtext/90721-0013.htm