Local MP urges Stellantis to reconsider closing van-making factory in Luton after CEO resigns

The closure's putting 1,100 local jobs at risk.

Aerial view of their Luton factory.
Author: Luke ReeveyPublished 11th Dec 2024
Last updated 12th Dec 2024

MP for Luton North, Sarah Owen, is urging Stellantis to review the decision to close their van-making factory in Luton, after the CEO of the company quit only days later.

The company- who owns Vauxhall- announced the closure a few weeks ago, putting 1,100 jobs at risk.

On 1st December, CEO Carlos Tavares abruptly resigned, with the board announcing they'd accepted his resignation.

That's only four days after they made the decision to close their plant in Luton.

At Prime Minister's Questions today, Sarah Owen asked the PM: "The workers at the factory meet every target set, they never give up.

"Contrast this with Carlos Tavares, the CEO, who- days after making the decision to threaten over a thousand jobs in Luton- quit.

"Does the Prime Minister agree that Stellantis should review this decision?

"Do what's right by our town; stay put for good or until an alternative is found to ensure Luton manufacturing history is also our future."

To which, the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer responded: "It's obviously an issue of grave concern to her constituents.

"The government is fully committed to supporting the workers and their families at this uncertain time.

"The Industry Minister will meet the company this week to discuss plans for the workers and site, to ensure that dedicated support is in place."

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