Opening the discussion, which brought together MPs from across the house in Westminster Hall, Josh said:

"Calder Valley has manufacturing in its history. The story started with wool but has developed into chemicals and specialist manufacturing. As new businesses opened in old mills, we… focused on particular industries. We are home to what many call Valve Valley, a cluster of more than 20 firms that design, build and service valves that are used across the world.

"In the valve community, which I mainly discovered after becoming an MP, Brighouse and Elland are central hubs. These companies are not household names, but they… keep industry moving, from energy to water to pharmaceuticals. They employ local people, train apprentices and anchor our economy in towns that too often feel overlooked.’

Manufacturing is vital for the regional economy in West Yorkshire as well as nationally. Last year the sector contributed £217 billion to the UK economy, supporting 2.6 million jobs. In Calder Valley it accounts for 15% of employment, more than double the national average.

In the debate Josh also addressed challenges facing the sector including declining job numbers, economic shocks, and post-Brexit uncertainty which threatens growth and investment. Despite these obstacles, he praised local manufacturers for their adaptability and critical role in sustaining communities.

Responding, Minister for Industry, Chris McDonald MP reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to British manufacturing. This will include the development of an industrial strategy aimed at restoring manufacturing in the regions and supporting businesses to become as productive and competitive as possible in an international market. Young people will also be encouraged to develop technical skills through vocational qualifications and high-quality apprenticeships.

Specifically highlighting work already going on in Calder Valley, the Minister said: ‘High numbers of applications for apprenticeships is something I see across the country. I applaud the work of the West Yorkshire Manufacturing Services charity, and its partnership with Calderdale College on the Industry 4.0 hub.’

MPs from around the country took part in the discussion, speaking about what manufacturing means to their communities and highlighting cross-party consensus on the need for good apprenticeships and the government buying British.

You can view the debate online here: https://bit.ly/4peofti

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