We have been speaking with Ford, PM tells the Commons

PRIME Minister Theresa May was put on the spot about the future of jobs at Ford’s Bridgend Base in the Commons yesterday.

Bridgend Labour MP Madeleine Moon used Prime Minister’s Questions to describe the depth of anxiety that has gripped families in South Wales.

Mrs May pledged that dialogue would continue with Ford about the role Government can play in ensuring the company’s “success” continues.

Mrs May responded: “Can I reassure the honourable lady that our automotive sector is one of the most productive in the world. We want to see it going from strength to strength. That’s why ministers in this Government have been engaging with various companies within the automotive sector, including Ford and other companies.”

She added: “Ford is an important investor here. It has been established here for over 100 years.

“We now account for around a third of Ford’s global engine production. Bridgend continues to be an important part of that.

“We have had, as I said, dialogue with Ford. We will continue to have regular dialogue with Ford about the ways in which Government can help to make sure that this success continues.”

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also acknowledged the uncertainty which has hit Welsh Ford workers.

He kicked off PMQs, saying: “Could I join the Prime Minister in wishing everyone in Wales and all Welsh people all around the world a very Happy St David’s Day. And could I express the hope that the workers at the Ford plant in Bridgend get today the assurances they need about their job security and their futures.”