MPs furious at Marconi meeting snub.

Byline: Neil Hodgson 

TELECOMS giant Marconi has postponed today's meeting with Merseyside MPs at its crisis-hit Edge Lane plant.

But the MPs have vowed to turn up anyway and talk to union leaders instead.

They wanted to outline the opportunities for new Broadband technology at the Wavertree factory and the impact on staff, who face an uncertain future.

Marconi chiefs are currently locked in talks with their banks on a refinancing package which could make or break the company.

Pat Moloney, Amicus MSF union representative at the Edge Lane plant, claims the company said the postponement was due to the manager making the presentation being tied up talking to the banks instead.

Wavertree Labour MP Jane Kennedy said: "I am deeply disappointed that this was cancelled at such short notice. Surely there is more than one person to make this presentation?"

Louise Ellman, Riverside Labour MP, said:

"This is very disappointing news. It is important that we continue to support the company but also the company must recognise the importance of Liverpool."

A Marconi spokesman said: "When the date was set some time ago we didn't realise that some of the executives who were supposed to be involved in this meeting would be involved in other discussions.

"We didn't want to bring in someone who would not be able to provide the right level and type of information for the people involved."