Jeremy Corbyn to speak at National Manufacturing Conference

Corbyn has described Labour as ‘the Government in waiting’ and he will outline Labour’s proposals to EEF delegates on Brexit and Britain’s global positioning. The Labour leader will also map out the party’s economic plans which he says will offer hope and change to an economic system that 'simply is not working'.

During his presentation at this year’s conference 'Global Britain: Change, Opportunity, Growth', he will also take questions on what Labour believes is the best way to forge a safe path through these challenging political times and party’s vision for the future of British manufacturing and engineering.

The flagship annual event – sponsored by Lombard, the UK’s largest asset finance provider – brings together Britain’s leading Government politicians, senior industrialists and manufacturing leaders in these challenging political times.

Other high-profile speakers have been lined up, including Martin Wolf CBE, Chief Economics Commentator at The Financial Times alongside Greg Clarke, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Key themes up for debate include the smart energy revolution, coping with a post-Brexit workforce and trading with the EU. With the ever-increasing threat to business from cyber attack, Ewan Lawson, cyber security expert from RUSI will chair an interactive session.

Terry Scuoler, Chief Executive of EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, said: “With Brexit on the horizon, our conference comes at a critical time for industry, which has a key role to play in ensuring that post-Brexit Britain is a great success.

“This conference provides an important collaborative platform for industry and Government to work together and to hear what Opposition politicians are thinking. Government departments across the Brexit agenda must continue to work hand in hand with industry in order to tease out the best way forward as we form the post Brexit landscape.”

Ian Isaac, Lombard MD, said: “We are once again proud to be headline sponsor of EEF’s National Manufacturing Conference – bringing together Britain’s most influential manufacturing and engineering companies. We continue to recognise the importance the manufacturing sector has on the wider UK economy, and we are dedicated to supporting businesses by funding the equipment they need to innovate and grow.

“We look forward to welcoming manufacturers, industry leaders and leading politicians to the event as we come together to tackle the challenges that lay ahead and grasp the opportunities that come with those challenges.”