Leading article: Britain needs more like Ellesmere Port

 

Thursday 17 May 2012 18:05 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Once the basket case of British industry, car-makers are now the star performers in the effort to re-balance the economy and fulfil the promise of export-led growth.

The latest boost is GM's decision to build its new Astra in Cheshire, rather than Poland or Germany. What would be good news at any time is, in these economic doldrums, a ray of sunshine that is welcome indeed. Not only have 2,000 existing jobs in the Ellesmere Port factory been saved, but another 700 will be created directly, plus thousands more in the supply chain.

The Business Secretary must take some credit for his unstinting efforts to persuade GM's US executives to invest in Britain. More telling still is the pay-and-conditions deal the company struck with the trade unions. Such clear-eyed pragmatism can only be applauded. Vince Cable said yesterday this is a story that can be repeated many times. It must be.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in