MP warns against damaging fleet industry

With thousands of people employed building cars and their components in his Houghton and Washington East constituency alone, he says any changes must be carefully considered. 'We have got to achieve a balance,' he said. 'I recognise the importance of the fleet and company car market to British car-makers and businesses and my view is that of course you have to consider environmental and other issues, but we also need long-term planning and consultation with the industry.'

Kemp is one of a group of MPs with specific interests in the motor industry who meet regularly to discuss related issues - taking over from the now disbanded All-Party Motor Industry Group which, during the previous Parliament, had been headed by the late Iain Mills MP. Kemp was among the Labour MPs recently involved in round-table talks with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and manufacturer representatives on issues including the tax treatment of company cars.