The directors of MG Rover's parent company are under pressure to use their own money to help the company.

The Birmingham Northfield constituency covers the Longbridge site.  Defending Labour candidate Richard Burden said: "The directors have always justified their pay on the grounds that they took risks.

"But they weren't the only ones. The employees took risks, too. Now the directors should consider whether it is appropriate for them to retain their profits. It isn't about attributing blame, it is about doing what is right."

The FT reports that the government's promised £6.5m loan to the company to keep it going this week must first be approved by the European Commission.

As the TGWU claimed there was only a "million to one" chance of saving the company, the Commission said it was looking into the grant as it may break anti-competition rules.