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I welcome the decision by GM to retain ownership of their European operations including Vauxhall/ IBC in the UK, citing ‘improved operating conditions'. 

When Ken Clarke and I visited the Luton plant two weeks ago we learnt that the retained by GM option was the preferred option of the unions and workers.  The decision is a positive reflection of the efficiency of the UK plants and the effectiveness of the UK workforce - who have endured considerable uncertainty and emotional turmoil over the last few months, while showing extreme co-operation and flexibility in negotiations with other potential buyers.

GM have a moral responsibility to quickly communicate the details of their decision and the implications of the associated restructuring on the UK workforce. 

GM must now develop a robust business plan that outlines a viable long term future for the Luton plant that goes beyond 2013 when some production contracts run out. 

The UK government should work closely with GM in developing a business plan, in doing everything it can to secure UK jobs, and in making sure that the German government does not outmanoeuvre us again by securing a better deal for their own workers that could potentially risk UK jobs.

This announcement further highlights the shameful situation relating to the status of the current MP for Luton South in which the IBC plant is situated:  At a time when Luton workers need confidence that their local political representatives are standing shoulder to shoulder with them, banging on tables, and standing up for their interests, instead we have deadly silence from our absent local MP, Margaret Moran - who has been off work since May when her expense abuses were revealed by the Daily Telegraph.