The future of hundreds of manufacturing jobs in Scarborough was placed firmly on the agenda in the House of Commons, as concerns over increasing competition from Chinese electric bus manufacturers were highlighted during parliamentary questioning.
The debate centred on ensuring that taxpayer money prioritises British-built buses over foreign imports.
Alexander Dennis, which operates a significant manufacturing site in Scarborough, is Britain’s biggest bus builder and the world's largest manufacturer of double-decker buses. The company employs around 700 people in manufacturing and non-manufacturing roles at its facility.
For some time, the bus manufacturer has been vocal about the commercial pressures it faces, warning of "competitive imbalance" and "the increasing market share of Chinese manufacturers". These competitive forces, combined with "an absence of incentives for British-built vehicles," were previously cited by the company as the reason for the necessity of making cuts.
Alison Hume, the Member of Parliament for Scarborough and Whitby, raised the issue directly with the government, stressing the urgency of securing new contracts and reforming procurement rules.
Addressing the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Ms Hume asserted the importance of the local facility and the looming deadlines for major contracts:
"Dennis is a British electric bus manufacturer employing more than 700 people in Scarborough. Major bus contracts are due to go live in early 2026. Will the minister confirm that this government is backing British built buses over Chinese imports? And can he confirm that the changes to public procurement processes will be implemented in time for taxpayers money to be spent on buying British buses? "
Responding to the concerns raised, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, James Murray, assured the House of the government's commitment to the domestic industry:
"Mr. Speaker, we have a proud history of manufacturing in this country, including in my honourable friend's constituency, and we will capitalize on that history as we drive our future growth. The UK is a leader in bus manufacturing, and the government is committed to supporting the sector. Mr. Speaker, as a government, we want to back British buses."
The parliamentary exchange comes amid ongoing discussions about how public procurement can be leveraged to support domestic industry. Ms Hume has consistently backed changes to procurement rules, previously asking the Chancellor to use "public procurement to back British companies such as Alexander Dennis to boost economic growth".
She has also called for public sector procurement processes to be "strengthened as soon as possible to include social value". According to the MP, revising these rules would reward local employment, skills development, and sustainable practices, thereby boosting the UK economy.
The future of the Scarborough facility, which two years ago expanded its presence by leasing additional warehouse capacity in Eastfield, hinges on securing future orders and ensuring a level playing field against international rivals.
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