It goes without saying that I was deeply disappointed to hear that Kellogg’s is planning to close its factory in Trafford Park – putting 360 jobs at risk. The factory first opened in 1938 and Kellogg's has been using the site to produce its iconic cereals – including Corn Flakes, Coco Pops, Rice Krispies and Crunchy Nut – for decades.

When I first heard the news, my initial thoughts were with the staff personally affected by the proposal and I immediately reached out to the trade unions that represent them to offer support.

But my thoughts soon turned to what the closure would mean for the wider area. I’m very proud to represent Stretford and Urmston and Trafford Park is one of the jewels in the constituency’s crown. It has a rich history that spans back to the First World War.

Kellogg’s and Trafford Park have become synonymous with one another. When you think of ‘Trafford Park’ the Kellogg’s rooster almost immediately springs to mind. Kellogg’s has become much more than a cereal manufacturing site – it is an iconic part of our community – with generations of local families working there.

Kellanova – Kellogg’s parent company – has said that the factory is no longer fit for purpose. They also claim that the site is too old to modernise. A consultation period has started, and I will remain in conversation with the trade unions – and Kellogg’s – in the sincere hope that they will reconsider closing this site.

Since I became MP, back in December 2022, I have visited many of the businesses that proudly operate in the Trafford Park area. From Essity, where I was shown how some of the UK’s first coreless toilet roll is produced, to the SUEZ’s Manchester Renew Hub – which is giving local people the chance to learn skills for the green economy.

If Kellanova pushes ahead with its plan to close the Kellogg’s site, the loss will be devastating, and I do have concerns about what it would mean for the future of Trafford Park. I expressed those concerns in Parliament, when I recently spoke in the House of Commons, to ask if we could we have a debate in Government on how we can safeguard manufacturing jobs in this country – both now and in the future. I will continue to push this issue, because nobody within Trafford wants to see the decline of Trafford Park and it’s important that companies still see the area as a go-to manufacturing location.

Trafford Park has a rich history – we need to ensure that it’s protected – and that the area is nurtured moving forward. I will do everything in my power to ensure that Trafford Park continues to thrive.