PSA’s investment in Luton is a “deserving tribute to dedicated workforce” but today's announcement has led to calls for an end to the uncertainty around Ellesmere Port.

The trade union's general secretary Len McCluskey spoke at the Vauxhall Luton van plant today (Wednesday) after it was announced it would benefit from a £170 million investment to bring a new model to the UK and create 450 new jobs.

McCluskey said: “It is great news that this new product should see van production at Luton for the next ten years to come.

“This is a very welcome investment in Luton by PSA, and a deserving tribute to a dedicated workforce. It will steady nerves at the plant after years of uncertainty.

“It will, of course, be for the members at the plant to decide whether to accept the whole package of measures, including a pay deal along with the new product, and they will take that vote in the coming weeks.

“In the meantime I want to pay tribute to the stewards and members at both our Vauxhall sites, Luton and Ellesmere Port, for their commitment to delivering successful negotiations. They are a credit to their union and deserve today’s better news.

“However, I do want to raise one matter with Carlos Tavares, PSA’s CEO directly. The investment into Luton is very welcome, but we do expect to hear of similar plans for Ellesmere Port, where the workforce has been just as loyal and is just as deserving of a secure future but continues to live with a cloud hanging over it.

“Vauxhall is a highly regarded British brand with over a century of motor manufacturing with a strong and loyal UK customer following.

“Add to this the excellent productivity at our plants and the case for PSA to build a long-term home in the UK is a compelling one.

“I look forward to sitting down with Mr Tavares very soon to bring good news to Ellesmere Port too.”

SMMT's chief executive Mike Hawes said: “This announcement is great news for the UK automotive sector and, especially, the Luton plant.

"The UK continues to be a centre of excellence for vehicle production thanks to our engineering expertise, high levels of productivity and a collaborative relationship with government which has enabled us to build a robust industrial strategy and a sector deal.

"We will continue to work with policy makers to ensure the UK remains as competitive as possible now and in the future so we can continue to build on our long heritage in vehicle manufacturing.”