21/07/2009  Statement in support of Vestas workers

Jean Lambert MEP is supporting workers at the Vestas wind turbine factory on the Isle of Wight.

The factory, the only one of its kind in the UK, is threatened with closure, which would result in the loss of more than 600 jobs.

Campaigners are calling on the Government to intervene and prevent the closure, to save these jobs and demonstrate full, genuine commitment to green energy and the manufacturing and technology needed to provide it.

About 25 workers are now occupying the factory in protest at the planned closure.

Jean Lambert MEP said:

"If the Government stands idly by and fails to save the Vestas factory it will be abandoning its responsibilities on two counts: first, in the immediate term, allowing the loss of 600 jobs in a time of deep recession. Second, in the longer term, failing to commit to the green manufacturing and energy which are vital if we are to stand any chance of fighting the threat of climate change. This double dereliction of duties would prove that the Government's green talk is nothing more than windy rhetoric. We can no longer afford empty promises.

"We must not forget that long before the economic crisis, we faced a global environmental crisis. Now, as we face both disasters, the Vestas factory is a real beacon of hope: a model for the way in which Britain's manufacturing industry could be positively and sustainably rebuilt to provide proven, environmentally-sound energy sources for the future.

"I fully support the actions of the workers and urge people to lend their voices to this vital campaign to save these jobs, and save the planet too."

Messages of solidarity can be sent to savevestas@gmail.com. For more information visit http://www.campaigncc.org/.

News type: Press Releases