MP attacks Vauxhall 'betrayal'

Closure a slap in the face for workers

Luton South Labour MP Margaret Moran tells BBC News Online of her anger at Vauxhall's decision to close the town's car plant.

The announcement is a slap in the face for the workers, but it's not one I'm prepared to take lying down.

The way many of them found out - over the radio at lunchtime - was unforgivable. I'm angry.

I believe General Motors and Vauxhall have betrayed the workforce and owe a moral obligation to the workers and the local community - as many other businesses in Luton are built around this industry - to ensure that the best possible package is in place to secure their livelihoods into the future

Following a similar scare more than two years ago the workforce and the Government worked non-stop to get the investment needed to secure the future of the plant.

Shocked

The workers agreed a spectacular pay and productivity deal to prove that Luton was a viable plant - all of which Vauxhall demanded and we delivered.

It was no easy task, but we succeeded on the basis of assurances that Vauxhall Luton would be safe for the medium term and on the promise of a second Corsa line.

I was shocked to hear the rumour of job losses and spoke to the Secretary of State for Trade & Industry, Stephen Byers, and pressed for a government rescue package.

I am pleased that they responded swiftly and gave that commitment just hours later.

I will be in conference with him again today. I am also holding a meeting with Vauxhall Managing Director, Nick Reilly, followed by a meeting with the Head of the Regional Development Agency about a rescue package.