British gov't says funding may be available for GM

LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - The British government said on Tuesday it would be willing to provide funding to secure the future of GM Opel car plants in Britain after General Motors Co [GM.UL] announced it was no longer selling to its European operations to Canada's Magna MG.aTO.

"We have noted GM's announcement today and want to work closely with GM to understand their plan for the business and what it means for the UK," a Department for Business spokesman said. "We have always said that if the right long-term, sustainable solution is identified, then the government would be willing to provide funding to this."

The Unite union, which had secured a deal with Magna of no compulsory redundancies at Opel's plants in the UK, described GM's decision as the best deal for Britain. For full story, see [ID:nWLA5549]