Workers rally over Vauxhall closure

Saturday's peaceful march contrasted with last week's angry scenes at Vauxhall's HQ

Another protest has been held over plans to halt car production at Vauxhall's Luton plant with the loss of about 2,000 jobs.

The rally and march in Luton town centre on Saturday afternoon attracted around 250 people and was "very peaceful", according to police.

It was organised by the Socialist Workers Party but did not have the official backing of Vauxhall's main trade unions.

On Thursday, union representatives stormed out of a meeting with Vauxhall management when no agreement was reached after three hours of discussion.

There were angry scenes the previous day when a group of 200 workers staged a demonstration at Vauxhall's management offices in Luton.

The factory produces the Vectra model

But organisers of Saturday's rally had pledged a peaceful protest to try to persuade Vauxhall to reverse its decision.

Martin Smith told BBC Radio 5Live the aim was to say "enough is enough and we need to save Luton".

After a morning planning meeting between police and organisers, the protest started with a rally in the town's St George's Square.

A good-natured march, including families, then set off through the streets before the event ended with further speeches.

Bedfordshire police said they made no arrests.

Earlier in the week, unofficial strike action took place around the UK in protest at the plant closure, which is scheduled for 15 months' time.

Production at the company's Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire was hit when employees took unofficial strike action in sympathy with their colleagues.

And workers at a Vauxhall warehouse in Luton also walked out.

Union leaders are now expected to meet with Vauxhall's European management in the New Year, as part of their campaign to keep the Bedfordshire plant open.

They also say they will consult with union colleagues in Germany over any possible future action.