Rail Manufacturing: Job Losses

Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Lord Davies of Gower

Wednesday 17th April 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

The noble Lord makes a very serious point. I am not able to confirm that now, but I will certainly look it up and write to him.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

My Lords, many of us here have campaigned hard to get the Hitachi factory in Newton Aycliffe. Hundreds of local people have had good jobs there for many years now. Is it not true that the Government have just not delivered the anticipated orders for trains that the factory was expecting? There are many young people who have taken career choices and studied at the university technical college there associated with Hitachi. It will be devastating for Newton Aycliffe, Darlington and the Tees Valley if anything happens to jeopardise the future of the factory. What message does the Minister have for that community, and what will he do to make sure that we keep those much-needed jobs?

[Lord Davies of Gower (Con)]

I can only repeat what I have just said. The Government are working very hard to make sure the company remains at the location. New competitions have recently commenced for rolling stock on Northern, Southeastern, TransPennine and Chiltern railway lines, as well as procurements for fleet upgrades on East Midlands, Chiltern and CrossCountry. Alstom is very capable, and able to compete for this work.