ECR Group calls on commission to scrutinise the proposed GM deal

Brussels, 29th September 2009 - Vicky Ford MEP, Conservative Spokesman on Economic and Monetary Affairs in the European Parliament, today grilled EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes on GM's potential sale of Opel and specifically the potential impact for UK workers in Ellesmere Port and Luton.

In the parliamentary committee, she stressed the huge uncertainty facing not only the 5,500 workers directly employed in the UK, but also the many thousands more who are indirectly affected, and asked the commissioner to treat the matter with the utmost urgency.

After the committee, she said:

"Given that the UK Vauxhall plants are highly efficient facilities, jobs should not be lost in the UK whilst less efficient production facilities are protected elsewhere. It was encouraging that the Commissioner, who acts as Europe's policeman on these matters, reiterated that the recession does not give national governments carte blanche to break state-aid rules.

"Re-structuring decisions should be made on purely commercial grounds, not according to geographic location. Commissioner Kroes informed the committee that she has requested specific information regarding the relative efficiencies of Opel/Vauxhall's plants and further details on the possible implications of the proposed deal.

"It will be reassuring to those employees of Ellesmere Port and Luton that the commissioner said that she understands the need for a "quick and clear decision"."

ENDS

Contact:

Vicky Ford on +44 7771 812976
James Holtum on +32 473 861762

Welcome to the website of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament.

In July 2009, the ECR was formed by eight political parties who share the common goals of opposition to Euro-federalism and of fundamental reform of the European Union to make it more accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.

This website is intended to provide you with information about our work and our political priorities, and to provide you with an opportunity to let us know your views.

29th June 2010 - ECR group meeting with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council

19th July - 30th August - Brussels