Among the recommendations in the Manufacturing Manifesto 2015 are for all parties to encourage engineering and STEM-related apprenticeships as a priority; simplify the process of applying for government support schemes; and address the negative perception of manufacturing by facilitating engagement between schools and manufacturers and by ensuring high-quality careers advice.
The manifesto was authored and signed by six parliamentary members of the APMG: Barry Sheerman, Chris White, Gordon Birtwistle, Caroline Dinenage, John Stevenson and Baroness Wall of New Barnet.
Jonathan Reynolds, APMG vice-chair and shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, said: "It is a common misconception that the UK is no longer a manufacturing nation. The reality is that manufacturing is a major part of the UK economy, generating good jobs and valuable exports.
"This manifesto sets out how UK manufacturing can grow even stronger, something which I hope will become an issue of political consensus in the UK, so that industry can plan for the long-term and we can all secure the benefits of this vital sector."
Chris White added: "This Manifesto highlights the crucial issues that need to be addressed in the coming years if the UK is to sustain its increasingly robust manufacturing sector, which is an essential part of any well-balanced economy...
"We will continue to work with industry in this regard, to campaign on these issues, ensure that any future government is made fully aware going forward of the importance to the nation of a strong manufacturing sector, and encourage it to take the necessary steps to secure the UK's place as a global leader in manufacturing markets."