Vauxhall jobs fears after GM deal

Vauxhall looks destined for a Canadian takeover after the German government chose car parts firm Magna to be the vehicle manufacturer's new parent company.

After lengthy talks, the German finance minister said Magna's rescue plan for the European arm of stricken US car giant General Motors, which owns Vauxhall and Opel, had been approved.

But uncertainty remains over what that deal means for Vauxhall's 5,000-plus workers at its Ellesmere Port and Luton sites.

The British government has been urged to do what it could to stand up for them.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said he would seek swift confirmation from the Canadian firm that none of the Vauxhall jobs in the UK would be lost in the deal.

Speaking outside GM Manufacturing Luton, which employs around 1,400 workers on its production of Vivaro and Renault Trafic vans, Labour Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins said: "It's unthinkable what would happen if we do not keep this plant open.

"It's vital for the town but I think it's also vital for Britain.

Our manufacturing base is too small. This is a first-class plant making a brilliant vehicle.

"We need to preserve this plant as part of Britain's manufacturing base for the long-term future."