International

SP Member of Parliament Paul Ulenbelt is urging Employment Secretary Frank Heemskerk to do all in his power to save 570 Dutch jobs at the firm of Wärtsilä. The Finnish producer of screws for and motor parts for ships is to relocate its production units, including those in the Netherlands, to China. Wärtsilä cites Chinese pressure as an explanation, and Paul Ulenbelt wants to know more about this. Parliament will shortly debate the situation.

"I'm pleased that Heemskerk has taken the matter to the World Trade Organisation”, says Ulenbelt, “but I would also like to see him summon the Chinese ambassador and demand from him a full and detailed explanation.”