News

Ken Clarke MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business, visited Luton on Thursday October 15th to visit the Vauxhall/ IBC operations.

Mr Clarke met with management, workers and union representatives at the GM UK Griffin House Headquarters, and took a tour of the General Assembly line where the Vivaro van is made.

Ken Clarke with Nigel Huddleston (PPC Luton South) with Vauxhall Vivaro
 

Ken Clarke said:
“I am here to show my support for the GM workers, and also to find out more details on the deal announced by the Unite union with Magna on Monday.

If the Conservatives win the general election next year, we will inherit whatever deal the current government signs off on, and it is important that we know what the details are and what the business plan is for the Luton and Ellesmere Port plants up to 2013 and beyond.

I shall be paying close attention to developments.  I shall continue to ask questions about what terms and conditions the new owners will be imposing.  It is important to know precisely how any taxpayers money will be used, on what conditions, and what commitments the new owners will make about future products that can secure jobs in the long term.

The improvements in performance at the Luton plant in the last few years have been spectacular.  I was very impressed by how much progress has been made in health and safety, and with overall production efficiency.”

Mr Clarke was joined on the visit by the local Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Luton South, Nigel Huddleston – who said:

 “Ken Clarke’s visit underlines how important the Conservatives consider the UK vehicle industry to be, and the pivotal role Luton plays in the industry."

Ken Clarke being interviewed by press outside GM UK Headquarters