A GIGAFACTORY near Bridgwater will be a 'step in the right direction' in tackling the climate crisis, an MP from Somerset has said.

Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, confirmed on Wednesday, February 28, that it will build a Gigafactory on the Gravity Smart Campus in Puriton, near Bridgwater in what will be a £4 billion investment.

Sarah Dyke, Liberal Democrat for the neighbouring constituency of Somerton and Frome, said: "It puts the county at the forefront of the green revolution and will bring huge benefits to my constituents in terms of highly-skilled jobs, training opportunities and the supply chain.

“I was involved in the earlier stages of this project as Lead Member for the Environment and Climate Change at Somerset Council, so it’s wonderful to see it come to fruition now.

“This new factory will create up to 4,000 green-tech jobs in Somerset, as well as many thousands indirectly, and spearhead Britain’s electric vehicle transition.

“The Liberal Democrats want electric vehicles to be an affordable and practical alternative for all and today’s announcement is a significant step in the right direction.

"We’re absolutely committed to tackling the climate crisis and air pollution across the country and believe the UK should target at least 80% renewable electricity by 2030, and implement policies now to make 100% renewable power possible.”