Land Rover protest 'irresponsible'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 18th May 2005

Solihull's Lib Dem MP, Lorely Burt has condemned today's Greenpeace protest at Land Rover as "irresponsible".

"Damage caused to the environment by gas guzzling vehicles is a major concern for us all, but I believe that the action by Greenpeace today is irresponsible and will not help to further their cause.

"High profile publicity stunts can often be effective, but to stop production at Land Rover could put further jobs at risk following the demise of MG Rover, and could cost millions in lost production.

"I have spoken to Land Rover and will be meeting them on Wednesday. Fuel efficiency is an important issue, but it is a matter for Government and the car industry to address. Green peace have an important role to play, but would be better served by talking rather than taking action that puts local people's jobs at risk," added Lorely Burt.

Lorely Burt Liberal Democrat MP for Solihull

lorelyburt@solihull-libdems.org.uk