Dear Sir,
When I was informed Hitachi’s joint bid with Bombardier lost out to Siemens for the contract to build Deep Tube trains I found the decision disappointing to say the least. But when I discovered that Transport for London were aware the majority of these trains would be built in Austria not the UK, the decision is not just disappointing but outrageous.
Originally I was informed that Siemens would be building a new factory in Goole as part of the deal. However, following a Freedom of Information request, it appears that TfL knew that Siemens intended to build trains in Vienna. It leads me to wonder whether any of the trains will be built in the UK?
Workers I have spoken to from the Newton Aycliffe Hitachi are angry, and they have every right to be. The decision to award the contract to Siemens undermines a commitment to manufacturing in the UK. I have written to the London Mayor and TfL to raise my concerns about the decision that was made. I also intend to raise the issue with the Business Secretary Greg Clark and Transport Secretary Chris Grayling who last month said the government “would do everything it can” for Hitachi.
Phil Wilson, MP
