Vauxhall Luton factory 'at risk'

For the first time since the General Motors collapse started, it has been admitted that Vauxhall's plants in the UK are at risk of closure, with the resultant loss of jobs.

The first factory to be tagged as a possibility for closure is Vauxhall's van factory in Luton, and despite its world class efficiency, the Ellesmere Port factory in Cheshire is not guaranteed to survive the cull.

Britain's unions have criticised the government for not getting more involved in the negotiations, unlike their German counterparts.

Despite that, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated that his cabinet are in talks with Magna, the company's likely buyer, and is determined to save Vauxhall jobs in the UK.

Lord Peter Mandelson, Britain's Business Secretary has been involved with the discussions and stated recently that he has been given assurances by Magna that production would continue in the UK, though to what level will not be clear until the new owner has a chance to delve through Vauxhall/Opel's books.

At Prime Minister's question time, Gordon Brown responded to Ellesmere Port's Labour MP's calls for assurance:

"We have been working with General Motors, we have been working with the two potential buyers, we are now working with the preferred buyer for General Motors.

"Our determination is to save Vauxhall jobs in this country and make sure people have a secure future."

Shane O' Donoghue