Tory council backs action over train deal ‘disgrace’

Derby City Council said it will support any move by unions to seek a judicial review of the move to give the £1.4bn contract to Siemens rather than Derby-based Bombardier.

The unanimous decision by the council means it will help fund any legal challenge by unions, including Unite.

Council leader Philip Hickson said: “The council remains committed to doing what we can to save jobs at Bombardier. Judicial review remains an option in this fight and the council takes the view that no stone should be left unturned in this respect.”

The decision came after Ministers came under fresh attack from union leaders yesterday over the decision.

Michael Leahy, president of the TUC, told the union organisation’s annual congress in London that not giving the work to Bombardier was a “disgrace”. He said: “It is an insult to British manufacturing, to skills and to workers.

“We must do everything in our power to persuade Ministers to change their mind.”