NORTH Swindon MP has called Honda’s decision to pull out of Swindon a major jolt for the town.

Justin Tomlinson said: “Myself and Robert have already been in detailed discussions with Honda directly and the Business Secretary. We will be doing everything with our power to support all of the staff at both Honda and throughout the supply chain.”

Asked what message he had for families of Honda workers, he said: “The government will be doing absolutely everything within its power to provide full support.”

Mr Tomlinson claimed the jobs axe decision was unconnected to Brexit. Rather, he cited falling diesel car sales and a new Japanese-EU trade deal meaning the cars could be made more efficiently in Japan, as production switches to electric.

It is understood that no jobs will go until 2021.