GIDLEY WELCOMES COMMITMENT FROM FORD

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Jul 2008

Following her meeting with Ford this afternoon, local MP Sandra Gidley has welcomed the vehicle company's commitment to do all it can to maintain a presence in Southampton.

Sandra heard how the global economic situation is affecting manufacturing industries, and was told that many options are being considered by the carmaker in an effort to sustain a long-term future for Ford in the area.

Commenting from Westminster, Sandra said:

"I am pleased to hear, as many of the plant's employees will be, that Ford do not want to leave Southampton and that they are looking at many different options to use their plant in Southampton. Of course, whilst we cannot be complacent, this is very encouraging news.

"Whilst Ford recognise that they have a highly skilled and dedicated workforce in the city, I did stress that the present uncertainty needs to be resolved as soon as possible and that people need to know where they stand."

Sandra asked the Ford representative about the possibility of state aid, noting that if the plant had been based up north where there are far greater regional funding programmes, then the situation may be different:

"This situation is a classic example of the south losing out where, if we were up north, we would no doubt benefit from state support. I will be taking this issue up with the government."

ENDS