Unite urges transport secretary to support Hitachi’s high speed
train bid
21 September 2010
Unite regional secretary, Davey Hall, along with a delegation
from the Chamber of Commerce and Durham County Council will meet
with Phillip Hammond, secretary of state for transport today
(Tuesday, 21 September) to urge the government to support Hitachi's
bid for the £7.5 billion Intercity Express Programme (IEP).
Japanese firm, Hitachi has chosen Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
to build rolling stock as part of a £7.5 billion programme. Unite
is pressing the UK government to commit to the next generation of
high speed trains for the Intercity Express Programme. The
programme would generate 800 direct jobs and a further 8,000 jobs
in the supply chain.
The scheme would see the government make a small initial
investment and commit to buying the high-speed trains produced
there. The bulk of the £40 million start-up costs would be paid by
a private consortium led by Hitachi. The government will make a
decision on the Intercity Express ProgrammeIEP during the
comprehensive spending review next month. Unite is making its case
to transport secretary Phil Hammond today.
From 2002 to 2009 the UK's sole domestic volume train builder,
Bombardier, has only manufactured half of the rolling stock ordered
for the UK network. Unite believes a second train builder in the UK
would mean the UK could capture much more of the UK rolling stock
market than previously.
Unite regional secretary, Davey Hall, said: “If the government
gives the green light to this contract, the investment would put
the north east back on the map as a significant train manufacturer
for the European market. The contract would be a huge boost to the
region's economy, generating jobs and supporting Britain's
manufacturing base.
“We are urging Philip Hammond to support Hitachi's bid. The
north east has a long and successful history with Japanese
manufacturing and there is a shared commitment to promoting the
region. I hope the secretary of state will share our faith,
commitment and enthusiasm for the project.”
ENDS
Contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
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