HP FACTORY IN ASTON, BIRMINGHAM

Early day motion 2126, tabled 9 May 2006 by Khalid Mahmood (Labour). Signed by 135 members.

That this House condemns the proposal by Heinz UK & Ireland to close the HP factory in Aston, Birmingham and to relocate production to the Netherlands; is concerned at the loss of employment that this move will cause in an area which already has high unemployment; notes the longstanding history of HP in Aston, Birmingham and the positive contribution it has made to the local economy; further notes that the workers at HP Aston have worked hard to raise production and have performed to a high standard over the last few years; is further concerned that this factory will be closed without further consultation and consideration of other possible options; and calls on Heinz UK & Ireland to reconsider their plans and to engage constructively with unions and local politicians in order to ensure a positive outcome for this national institution and its workers.

Signatures by party: Labour 112, Conservative 11, Liberal Democrat 8, DUP 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.