The next generation of the Vauxhall Astra will be built in the UK, but it will be conditional on the final terms of the UK's exit from the European Union, the car giant has announced.

Parent group PSA said the new model will be built in Ellesmere Port on Merseyside, which employs over 1,000 workers, if a satisfactory Brexit deal is reached.

The PSA Group said it will also invest in the Russelsheim plant in Germany to manufacture Opel Astras from 2021.

A company statement said: "Since the acquisition of Vauxhall Motors by Groupe PSA, we have been working hard to turn around the fortunes of the brand and to address the performance of the commercial and manufacturing divisions.

"Currently, the Vauxhall and Opel Astra are built in Ellesmere Port and in Gliwice, and our bestseller is still in the middle of its life cycle.

"Groupe PSA has today announced its intention to manufacture the next generation Astra in two plants in Europe.

"The group has confirmed that the Russelsheim plant will manufacture Astra and that it is planned that the second plant will be Ellesmere Port in the United Kingdom.

"The decision on the allocation to the Ellesmere Port plant will be conditional on the final terms of the UK's exit from the European Union and the acceptance of the new vehicle agreement, which has been negotiated with the Unite trade union.

"This news demonstrates the continuous effort and commitment of Groupe PSA to Vauxhall Motors."

Car production has been falling in the UK over the past year, amid increasing pleas from the industry for a Brexit deal.

Birkenhead MP Frank Field said: "This longer term commitment from Vauxhall is vital to the jobs and living standards of so many families in our region.

"Next week, all Members of Parliament who have car production and manufacturing jobs at heart will vote to block a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, as I shall, as a way of ensuring we leave the European Union with a deal.

"That is what Vauxhall is asking for today."

The UK's automotive industry has received a series of blows in recent months, with Honda announcing it will close its Swindon plant in 2021, and Ford saying its Bridgend engine plant in south Wales will close in September 2020 with the loss of 1,700 jobs.

Best for Britain chief executive Naomi Smith said: "Vauxhall's statement is deeply worrying. Both Tory leadership candidates are trying to be the most macho on No Deal, costing decent people their jobs all around the country.

"The warning lights are on, but we haven't yet slammed on the brakes.

"We must stop Brexit to stop this car crash."