Multi-billion pound JLR gigafactory looks set for UK site

A multi-billion pound electric car battery factory looks set to be built in Somerset.

The BBC understands the gigafactory for Tata Jaguar Land Rover would be located at the Gravity business park near Bridgwater.

It would mean the creation of 9,000 jobs at the site, close to the M5.

Talks between the British government and Tata are believed to be at an advanced stage after offers of incentives by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt.

West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris said "swift action is needed to seal the deal" after it was reported in The Times that Somerset faces competition from Europe to be the factory's home.

Tata was considering siting their battery plant in Spain but is said to be looking at settling in the UK after subsidies and financial incentives from the government.

Mr Norris said he had previously had face-to-face meetings with Jaguar Land Rover last year.

He said he was keen to welcome the company to the region and said the Gravity site was "super convenient with Bristol Port on the doorstep".

"We need an effective UK industrial strategy to ensure we benefit from the huge opportunities of net zero. We have a site that's shovel ready so let's now seal that deal," he added.

The government are under pressure from car-makers to increase the capacity of battery production in Britain, amid fears car making plants may leave the UK.