11:10 am, July 31, 2014
MOST MPs are completely out of touch with the automotive world, according to a survey carried out for the Institute of the Motor Industry.
A total of 99 MPs from across the political spectrum were quizzed, and while many recognised the number of jobs the industry provides, they typically showed a lack of understanding with more than half suggesting the motor trade was low-skilled, low-paid and dirty.
On a more personal note, MPs see Ed Balls fitting in quite nicely in a car garage, according to the poll. Other MPs identified as having the necessary practicality and work ethic for the job were Eric Pickles and veteran firebrand Dennis Skinner.
MPs said Shadow Chancellor Mr Balls was ‘not afraid to get his hands dirty’ and ‘likes to know how things work’.
Other MPs fell back on car salesman clichés to take a dig at rivals such as Prime Minister David Cameron and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg. One Labour MP said of Mr Clegg: ‘He reminds me of a car salesman. He says one thing when you take the car, then he takes you for a ride.’
The Chief Executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry, Steve Nash, said: ‘There is a terrible confusion in Parliament about the people in our industry.
‘They understand that large numbers of hard-working people make their living in it, and that 35 million vehicle owners depend on them to keep them on the road.
‘Beyond this they are quite happy to perpetuate unhelpful stereotypes of a grimy backstreet trade. This attitude is not helping the public to understand the level of skill necessary to work in our sector.’
The IMI will be calling for MPs to support licensing the motor automotive sector when they return from their summer recess, Mr Nash added.
