THE chairman of Ford should be concerned about workers in Southampton, as well as those in his native USA, says a Hampshire MP.

Sandra Gidley, Liberal Democrat MP for Romsey, was reacting to an article by an article by Bill Ford describing the devastation that awaits cities once a large manufacturer pulls out of an area.

Mrs Gidley said the chairman’s words showed the impact that the production cuts and possible future closure would have on the area.

She said: “His comments show that he knows how important manufacturing is to the area but it seems his priorities are only in America, not to the 1,100 workers he employs in Southampton.

“It seems his concern doesn’t stretch to what he probably considers to be a little drop in the Ford ocean.”

In the Daily Echo's sister publication in the home of Ford, the Detroit Free Press, Mr Ford said: “In theory, someone from somewhere else can always step in to provide the products desired with no harm done.

“The problem is, in the real world, there is harm done.

“Factories are closed, jobs are lost, tax revenues that support universities, hospitals, social services and local schools are reduced.

“Over time the strength of its economy is eroded, the quality of life in a city, a state or an entire nation is diminished.”

Mr Ford stepped down as chief executive two years ago but continues to serve as executive chairman and chairman of the board and as such will be one of the people called upon to rubber-stamp the company’s plan for the Southampton plant.

This includes slashing production at the Swaythling factory from 75,000 vehicles a year to just 35,000, cutting jobs and losing production of the Transit to Turkey.

Union bosses at the Southampton plant have said that Mr Ford should practice what he preaches.