Renewed call for police cars to be produced in Cheshire

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, has long called into question procurement and tendering policies for purchases of Cheshire Constabulary vehicles.

Back in January 2022 he called into question the failure of Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer to buy British.

In a letter to Mr Dwyer, Mr Madders wrote:

“You will be aware of my long-standing interest in enhancing the fortunes of car manufacturing companies and associated businesses in Ellesmere Port and elsewhere in west Cheshire.

“You will also be aware of the Government’s intention to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and to satisfy the nation’s carbon neutral targets by ensuring that all emergency service vehicles will eventually be electric.

“In that context Stellantis, owner of the Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, has pledged to build full-electric versions of its Opel/Vauxhall Combo, Peugeot Partner and Citroen Berlingo small vans at its factory in Ellesmere Port.”

With reference to the Constabulary’s policy for procurement and tendering, Mr Madders sought an assurance that British-made vehicles will be prioritised when electric cars are purchased for the police fleet.

In a reply at the time John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, replied: “I can assure you that wherever possible we will be looking at UK manufactured vehicles for our fleet but, as I have indicated in previous discussions with you, price will be a significant issue.

Mr Madders reinforced his commitment to the former Vauxhall Motors, now Stellantis, plant in Ellesmere Port during a debate on the Automative Industry before the summer House of Commons recess.

He told the Commons:

“The plant has regular fights for survival and I am proud that, alongside many others, I have played my part to ensure it is still there, but it does not get any easier.

“Every five years or so, when the next model is discussed, plans across Europe are effectively pitted against each other to bid for the next job.

“The productivity of the local workforce and their co-operation with Unite the union, which for the record I am a proud member of, work extremely well. They show tremendous leadership to work with management.”

Pictured - Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston.