Honda urged to reconsider Swindon plant closure

Honda Motor Co has been urged to rethink its decision to close its Swindon plant in England which will put 3,500 jobs at risk.

The Japanese car giant's decision comes less than six months after bosses pledged support for the plant.

After a meeting with Honda and Business Secretary Greg Clark, Swindon's Tory MPs Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland said they were "disappointed and surprised" by the news, adding that job losses were not expected until 2021.

Speaking to ITN, Swindown South MP Robert Buckland urged the manufacturer to reconsider.

He said: "Honda hasn't yet made its public announcement. I've already said that I think they should think again and I certainly would be ready to talk to them and anybody who cares to listen to make the case for Swindon as a strong centre for manufacturing."

He denied that Brexit was to blame for the news, which he claimed was down to the firm wanting to take production back to Japan as it develops its electric engines.

However, a worker at the plant told ITN: "Perfectly viable car plant operating for 30 years, no problem at all. As soon as Brexit comes along the plant needs investment."

"People like Justin Tomlinson (MP for North Swindon) campaigned for this Brexit. He wanted Brexit - he gets to carry the can. If he's not unseated by a massive majority at the next election then this town gets what it deserves."

Honda employs approximately 3,500 people at the Swindon plant, building around 160,000 Civics a year, more than 90% of which are exported to Europe and the US. It began production in 1985.