ED Miliband has warned the Government that losing Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant would have "devastating consequences".

Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary has spoken out amid uncertainty over the long-term future of the North Road factory.

Executives from the carmaker's parent company Stellantis are continuing to meet this week to discuss the fate of the plant, which employs around 1,000 people.

The Standard has been told an announcement will be made this afternoon.

Commenting on the future of the site, MP Ed Miliband said: "The Ellesmere Port plant is a major employer and winding it down would have devastating consequences, with a thousand highly-skilled jobs lost from the local community.

"To support our automotive manufacturing industry and boost its competitiveness, Labour has called for ambitious investment in electric vehicle technology, including the electric battery supply chain, through a £30bn green economic recovery.

"This investment would mean manufacturers have the long-term confidence they need to build new electric models in the UK.

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“The Government must not simply stand by, because doing so risks worsening the unemployment crisis and dealing a huge blow to Cheshire and the automotive industry.

"They must act with real urgency to support our manufacturing industry and the jobs they provide."

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng has been involved in talks with the company.

A Government Spokesperson said:  “We are committed to ensuring the UK continues to be one of the best locations in the world for automotive manufacturing, and we’re doing all we can to protect and create jobs, while securing a competitive future for the sector.

“We regularly speak with all automotive companies, including Stellantis but do not comment on ongoing discussions.”

Analysts believe any decision will illustrate if the Government is serious about battery power, and green technology, which needs money investing in giga plants for batteries.

Union officials believe the UK needs at least seven battery plants to cope with the increasing switch to battery technology.

The best case for the UK motor industry would be a decision to make a new generation of electric cars at Ellesmere Port.