Mandelson visits Vauxhall van plant in Luton

Talks update

As part of those talks he will update them on discussions that the government has been having with the parties involved and reiterate the Government's commitment to continued Vauxhall production in the UK.

Trade union Unite repeated its call to the UK government to do all it can to defend Vauxhall and IBC jobs.

Len McCluskey, assistant general secretary for Unite, said that it was vital that the uncertainty about the plant's future was soon ended.

"With workers at the Luton plant extremely worried for their futures they will be pleased that a government minister is coming to see for themselves the pride this workforce has in the product it makes make.

Progress needed

"Clearly we need to make progress on an investor in GM Europe so that we can safeguard this plant. But it has to be the right buyer with the right vision, and a pre-requisite of any sale must be that UK jobs are protected."

Rob Weir, a senior Unite shop steward at the Luton plant, added: "This plant is one of the most productive and efficient in Europe.

"We set the benchmark which other plants must follow and we are a brilliant advert for British manufacturing.

Working hard

Lord Mandelson said: "I want workers at both Luton and Ellesmere Port to know that we are doing everything possible to secure a long term commercial future for Vauxhall.

"I and my officials are in constant contact with the US and German governments, GM US and GM Europe and others to ensure Britain's interests are fully represented.

"We also continue to have detailed discussions with Magna and other interested parties."

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