Hopes grow that Somerset factory deal is imminent

Hopes are growing that a deal which would see a mammoth factory build in Somerset could be agreed within a matter of days.

According to widespread reports Jaguar Land Rover is on the verge of agreeing to build the factory at Gravity business park in Somerset.

Rumours around the deal, which would build the batteries needed for electric cars, have been circulating for days.

The anticipated announcement is being described as the largest investment in the UK automotive industry since the 1980s.

Chancellor Jeremy Hint has hinted an agreement is close and Rishi Sunak is said to be personally involved in the negotiations.

The BBC is claiming that the boss of Jaguar Land Rover-owner Tata is expected to week finalise the deal next week.

According to some reports Tata is being offered £500m in subsidies as part of the ongoing negotiations.

However, Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has urged caution.

He said: “Everybody is working together in Somerset for this, but these things take a long time. It’s been a huge team effort.

“We are trying to make sure we land the deal as we know what it’s capable of doing.

“It’s been a long process and we’ve had a deal ready to go for months.”