Unite urges Transport Secretary to support Hitachi’s high speed train bid
Unite regional secretary, Davey Hall along with a delegation from the Chamber 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 £7.5bn 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 8000 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 £40m start-up costs would be paid by a private consortium led by Hitachi. The government will make a decision on the IEP 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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