MPs press government over Humber wind turbine plant

The proposed site at Hull's Alexandra Dock could see up to 10,000 jobs created

Hull's MPs have called on the government to do more to secure the future of a proposed wind turbine factory.

An initial agreement signed by manufacturer Siemens and Associated British Ports to develop a site in Hull docks ran out at the end of July.

Now there are rival bids from elsewhere in Europe.

The city's three MPs have called for urgent talks with the Government to ensure that the factory goes ahead.

The plan would see an estimated 10,000 jobs created, with a new manufacturing facility to be built in Hull's Alexandra Dock.

The German engineering giant was attracted to the city as the site was close to the new offshore wind farm sites in the North Sea.

An outline agreement was signed in January 2011, with both companies planning to sign a final contract by the end of the year.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, the Labour MP for Hull North, Diana Johnson, called for David Cameron to get involved.

"Bringing Siemens manufacturing wind turbines to the Humber is vital for jobs, and also for a breakthrough on renewables and hopefully increasing the UK industry in this area, she said.

"Local councils and businesses are doing everything they can to attract Siemens to the area but we face very strong foreign competition. Will this government do what the last government did and back this bid?"

In response the prime minister said: "I think it is vital for the future of our economy. Vital for the future of the area she represents. I met with members of parliament from Humberside to discuss this issue.

"I've myself spoken to the head of Siemens about the importance of this investment going ahead. We're carrying on with the extra money going in to ports to help with the development of this industry and we back it all the way."

The city's three MPs will meet with the Business Secretary Vince Cable to discuss the project.