UNIONS demanded urgent action today to save more than 1,000 jobs at a Vauxhall van-making plant in Luton.

Vauxhall owner Stellantis, which also owns brands including Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, has announced plans to close the factory, putting 1,100 jobs at risk.

The company intends to combine its electric van production at its other British plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “It is vital that urgent action is taken to keep this plant open and to save workers’ jobs. 

“This must come alongside wider support to future-proof our motor sector, including investment in battery and component manufacturing for electric vehicles.”

A Unite spokesperson said: “The proposal that has been tabled today has been a complete slap in face for our members in Luton, where Vauxhall vehicles have been manufactured for 120 years.”

The union called on the government to ensure that vehicle manufacturing is maintained in Luton.

In a Commons statement, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said it “was a dark day for Luton” and the government had “done everything we possibly can” to prevent the closure.