Train makers go to Downing Street

Tom Keogh and Bob Charles present petition at Number 10

More than 100 union members who work for Alstom, the threatened Birmingham train manufacturer, have delivered a petition of about 10,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street.

Alstom's Birmingham factory, in Washwood Heath, faces closure because the firm plans to move its London Underground trains production to the continent.

Amicus members travelled to London on Tuesday with the petition which reads: "Support Alstom Washwood Heath Save the Train Build".

The French-owned company intends to switch production to France, Germany or Spain, putting more than 1,000 jobs at risk.

This is despite winning a £100m contract to build carriages for the London Underground Jubilee Line.

In addition to the petition, the workers carryied a seven-feet-long coffin containing a model of a London Underground train which they say signifies the death of train manufacture in the UK.

Union officials say they are campaigning for a change in government policy to match that in France, Germany and Spain where 60% of any order must be built within national boundaries.

If Alstom get away with closing this site all future rolling stock will be produced abroad Tom Keogh, Amicus regional officer

Amicus wants to see the UK Government put the same policy in action here.

They say this would save the jobs in Birmingham and would revitalise the train manufacturing industry within the UK.

Tom Keogh, Amicus regional officer said: "Since the announcement by Alstom that they intend on closing the plant we have received support from the local community, Birmingham City Council and colleagues from other unions around the country.

"What we have not received is any clear message from the government that they are prepared to help.

"Handing this petition into Downing Street demonstrates to the government the wide support for train manufacture that exists in this country.

"Over the next ten years there is a massive need in the UK to replace old and dilapidated rolling stock.

"If Alstom get away with closing this site all future rolling stock will be produced abroad."