Peugeot-Citroen factory closure is "body-blow" for region - Liz Lynne

11.15.11am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 19th Apr 2006

Production at Ryton will halt in July 2007

Responding to today's announcement that Peugeot-Citroen is to end production at its Ryton factory in Coventry with the loss of 2,300 jobs, Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands, said, "Today's news is a body-blow for the region, not just for those who will lose their jobs at the Ryton factory, but for the local economy as a whole. Following last year's collapse of MG Rover at Longbridge, Peugeot-Citroen's decision shows these are troubled times for British manufacturing. It is vital now that Peugeot-Citroen do everything they can to provide support for their staff, and help as many as possible find alternative employment."

Workers did not arrive for their 0600 BST shift on Wednesday as meetings were due to be held throughout the day. Shop stewards and senior union officials were meeting in the morning to agree a common position before holding a mass staff meeting. A second mass meeting was planned for later in the afternoon for workers on the second shift.

Production at Ryton will halt in July 2007. Peugeot Citroen's chief executive said that all options had been considered. Ryton is the most expensive plant and there is no way to make it competitive."

The effects of the news have been felt across the Coventry area including the city's rugby club which has been sponsored by the company for the past 25 years and has said it will seek talks with Peugeot.