A BUSINESS leader has warned Brexit is one of many factors pushing Honda to close its Swindon plant.

Ian Larrard, director of Business West in Wiltshire and Swindon, said he was shocked by the news but warned tariffs and the move towards electric were also factors.

“Brexit uncertainty probably hasn’t helped,” he said, “but it is only one of a number of negative external factors that have created a perfect storm, making this decision inevitable even if the timing has come as a shock."

Alan Tomala, south west representative for Unite, expressed anger the firm had failed to tell its employees first.

“I’m outraged that our members and the workforce in general have heard this news via the media – it’s disgusting, they deserve better,” he said.

“It’s a huge blow, with 3,500 jobs to go. One job in the plant usually equates to four jobs in the supply chain.

“What employers, huge manufacturers like Honda, are looking for is certainty to invest in a model and will they invest in uncertain times?

“We will be urging Honda to do the right thing – meet us, discuss it and begin that process.”