Kraft VP apologises for broken pledge on closed Cadbury plant

Speaking to a panel of MP’s Mr Firestone said he was “terribly sorry” for the promise and explained the rationale behind the announcement.

The plant was already in the process of being closed down by Cadbury before the takeover. Production was in the process of being moved to a new factory in Poland.

Mr Firestone said that Kraft was experiencing strong growth in demand for chocolate in Eastern Europe and so expected to be able to cater to growing demand in the region with the new Poland plant, whilst keeping the Keynsham plant open to produce for British consumers.

Jack Dromey of Unite union also spoke to MP’s saying that it was "utterly cynical to pretend it could reprieve the plant". Mr Dromey is the husband of the government’s Equalities Minister, Harriet Harman. He was also selected recently to be a candidate for the Labour party and received criticism for avoiding the all-women shortlists favoured by his wife.

Mr Dromey also accused Kraft of knowing it would not be possible to keep the plant open when it gave its pledge.

However Mr Firestone said that Kraft had not known the high amount of investment Cadbury had put into the Poland plant as the two companies were not on speaking terms during the hostile takeover.