MERSEYSIDE union leader Tony Woodley last night urged the UK Government to intervene in negotiations with Italian car giant Fiat over a possible takeover of Vauxhall and other GM Europe brands.

His call followed German reports that Ellesmere Port’s Vauxhall plant could shut by 2016, with the loss of more than 2,000 jobs.

German auto industry unions said they have seen papers from Fiat that outline plans to close its two UK car plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton with the loss of 5,000 jobs.

Mr Woodley, who worked at Ellesmere Port, last night said he “did not believe” the reports, but is now liaising with Gordon Brown’s office in a bid to set up talks with Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne to secure the future of the UK sites.

Mr Marchionne held talks with the German government and German auto unions leader Klaus Franz last week about Fiat’s proposed takeover of GM Europe, which includes several German car and engine plants, but the UK government has not been involved.

Mr Woodley, joint general secretary of Unite the Union, told the Daily Post: “I am in daily contact with the Government and No 10 about talks with Mr Marchionne. I don’t believe these reports.

“But knowing that Britain is the one country in Europe where it is easier and quicker to close plants, you can never say never.”

GM also has production sites in Spain and the UK, and Mr Woodley said: “My concern isn’t whether the speculation is right or wrong.

“My concern is, why is it the British government is on the outside looking in when this fellow has got to meet the German government and German unions?

“The UK has not got as many GM plants as Germany, but we are entitled to be at the table when discussions are going on, not after they have taken place.” German union leader Klaus Franz voiced his concerns at Fiat’s proposals after meeting Mr Marchionne, describing the plan as “an all-or-nothing bet”