Ed Miliband comments on reports on the future of the Vauxhall Ellesmere Port plant

“The Ellesmere Port plant is a major employer and winding it down would have devastating consequences, with a thousand highly-skilled jobs lost from the local community.

“To support our automotive manufacturing industry and boost its competitiveness, Labour has called for ambitious investment in electric vehicle technology, including the electric battery supply chain, through a £30bn green economic recovery. This investment would mean manufacturers have the long-term confidence they need to build new electric models in the UK.

“The Government must not simply stand by, because doing so risks worsening the unemployment crisis and dealing a huge blow to Cheshire and the automotive industry. They must act with real urgency to support our manufacturing industry and the jobs they provide.”