More than 90 Labour MPs warn industrial revival needs stronger government direction
More than 90 Labour backbench MPs have urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham to strengthen the government’s reindustrialisation programme, arguing that new legislation and clearer ministerial accountability are needed to turn ambitions for manufacturing growth into jobs.
Calls for a Reindustrialisation Act
In a briefing paper reported by The Guardian on 26 October 2026, the group calls for a Reindustrialisation Act setting measurable targets for manufacturing employment and mechanisms to hold ministers accountable. The paper argues that Whitehall has lost industrial expertise and that existing structures could impede delivery. These are the MPs’ assessments, not independently established findings.
Manchester leadership and investment proposals
The MPs propose that First Secretary of State Louise Haigh oversee the programme from the government’s No 10 North office in Manchester. They also propose reshaping the National Wealth Fund into a Reindustrialisation Development Corporation with a stronger focus on financing industrial renewal. Neither proposal has been adopted as government policy.
MPs argue for jobs beyond prosperous cities
Andy MacNae, Labour MP for Rossendale and Darwen and chair of the group, says industrial policy should generate employment in communities that have experienced manufacturing decline. Other MPs named in the report include Steve Yemm, representing Mansfield, and Lorraine Beavers, representing Blackpool North and Fleetwood.
Budget context and government policy
The intervention comes ahead of the Budget expected on Wednesday 28 October. The government’s existing industrial strategy identifies eight priority growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence. The new briefing is a call for additional legislation and organisational changes, not an announcement of government decisions.
What remains unconfirmed
The Guardian reports having seen the briefing paper, but the full new paper has not been independently reviewed for this article. The precise membership of the group and any formal government response to these latest recommendations have not been independently verified.