Business secretary Greg Clark says Honda's decision to close its Swindon plant shows the 'urgent need to strike a Brexit deal' - despite the company saying EU exit is NOT to blame

  • Business Secretary Greg Clark said Honda's decision was not linked to Brexit
  • But he warned the entire car industry had warned strongly against a no deal 
  • Theresa May spoke to the President of Honda about closure of Swindon's plant
  • She told him she was 'disappointed' at the move which threatens 3,500 jobs  

The Business Secretary warned the car industry needs MPs to vote for the Brexit deal today as he scrambled to respond to Honda planning to close its Swindon plant.

Greg Clark said even while Honda said Brexit was not to blame for this decision a no deal Brexit would be a 'hammer blow' to the industry.

His warning came as it emerged Theresa May personally called the President of Honda to express her 'disappointment' at the decision, which threatens 3,500 jobs.

Honda has blamed a rapidly changing car industry with plunging demand for diesel cars and a new focus on electric vehicles. 

Business Secretary Greg Clark (pictured today in the Commons) warned the car industry needs MPs to vote for the Brexit deal today as he scrambled to respond to Honda planning to close its Swindon plant

Business Secretary Greg Clark (pictured today in the Commons) warned the car industry needs MPs to vote for the Brexit deal today as he scrambled to respond to Honda planning to close its Swindon plant

Mr Clark said even while Honda said Brexit was not to blame for this decision a no deal Brexit would be a 'hammer blow' to the industry

Mr Clark said even while Honda said Brexit was not to blame for this decision a no deal Brexit would be a 'hammer blow' to the industry

Mr Clark accepted Honda's decision was 'not about Brexit'.

But he warned the car giant, Japanese investors and the motor industry have been 'very clear for many months that Brexit is an additional worry at a difficult time'.

During a statement to the Commons on Honda in Swindon, Mr Clark said the closure was a 'devastating decision' before being peppered with questions about Brexit.

Mr Clark reeled off comments including from Ford, Aston Martin and Toyota, adding: 'I could go on, the clear message from the automotive companies is that we should get on and ratify this deal.' 

Mrs May told the weekly meeting of the Cabinet that she had spoken to the president of Honda to express her 'disappointment' at the decision to close the Swindon plant.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said she told the meeting that the Government would be doing 'all we can' to support those affected.

A taskforce will be set up in Swindon with local MPs, business leaders and the trade unions to ensure the skills and expertise of the workforce are maintained and that employees were able to move into other skilled jobs.

His warning came as it emerged Theresa May personally called the President of Honda to express her 'disappointment' at the decision, which threatens 3,500 jobs

His warning came as it emerged Theresa May personally called the President of Honda to express her 'disappointment' at the decision, which threatens 3,500 jobs

Rebecca Long Bailey, shadow business secretary, said: 'This is devastating news, first and foremost for Honda employees and their families, but also for the jobs across the supply chain and the impact on the local economy in Swindon.

'This Government has failed to create an environment of business confidence. The Tories' austerity programme has failed workers and businesses, and they continue to show a total lack of vision or plans for investment in our future.

'With Honda saying Brexit was not a factor, this Tory Government shoulders yet more responsibility for failing to create an environment of business confidence. Businesses have lost faith in the Government's austerity programme and total lack of vision or investment for our future.'

 

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