Urgent Debate On Vauxhall Future

An urgent debate on the UK future of car giant Vauxhall has been held in parliament.

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP, Justin Madders, secured the debate amid uncertainty over the firm's long-term future. 

Since the end of last year the workforce at the Astra plant in Ellesmere Port has been reduced by 650. 

Vauxhall's owners, PSA, have hinted they cannot make any decision over their long-term future in the UK as discussions continue over Brexit. 

Addressing PSA's concerns during the debate, Mr. Madders said: "Some might say that is an excuse, some might call it a distraction. I don't care what it's called as long as we don't ignore it."

"Now that we are leaving the EU is it important to recognise there is no upside for one of our most vulnerable and important sectors. We must do everything possible to safeguard jobs and investment."

The government insists that the details of a Brexit transition period, revealed at the start of this week, will at least ease short-term fears. 

Minister for Business and Industry, Richard Harrington MP, said: "Yesterday's [Monday's] milestone on an implementation period will help in the short term to alleviate some of the fears mentioned by Mr. Tavares and others." 

"We have met regularly with senior management both with Vauxhall and the PSA group and will continue to do so."