2009 press releases

20th July: Local MP calls for support package for Newhaven

Lewes MP Norman Baker called for a support package for Newhaven on the floor of the Commons today, following the recent announcement that the long-standing Parker pen plant will close next year with the loss of 180 jobs.

The Speaker, John Bercow, agreed to Mr Baker's request for time to air the matter on the floor of the Commons today, agreeing to vary the published business to allow Mr Baker's intervention on behalf of his Newhaven constituents.

Norman Baker told the Commons:

"I would like the Speaker to give urgent consideration to granting a debate surrounding the impending closure of the Parker pen plant in Newhaven, which will lead to the loss of 180 jobs, and will have a terrible impact on Newhaven.

"Newhaven has already felt the effects of the recession far worse than neighbouring towns like Lewes. There has been a pen factory in Newhaven since 1921, and Parker Pen has been there since 1945. It is the town's flagship employer, and removing it is like removing the keystone for a bridge.

"There is a very loyal workforce at Parker, and there is a suspicion that the Newhaven plant has been closed because tougher French employment laws mean that the plant in Nantes - to where manufacturing will be relocated - could not have been shut down so easily.

"There is an urgent need for a support package for Newhaven through SEEDA, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and JobCentre Plus."

Norman Baker later commented:

"I am pleased to have had the chance to represent Newhaven on the floor of the Commons, and I will now continue to lobby for additional support from SEEDA and from the government to help support Newhaven, and from JobCentre Plus if the closure of the factory cannot be averted."

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