John McDonnell MP, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor responding to the call from representatives of car industry workers, Unite the Union, for similar assurances to be given to the industry and the entire manufacturing sector, as were given to Nissan’s Sunderland plant, said:

“Of course we welcome the decision by Nissan to back the hard work and dedication of the workforce at the Sunderland plant. But there are other plants in the car industry whose workers will be holding their breath hoping that their jobs are also safe following the Tories’ shambolic handling of Brexit.

“The trade unions are right to demand clarity from government. It is unforgivable that the Tories can clearly act to safeguard jobs in our manufacturing industries, as proven by their deal with Nissan, but are refusing to do so. This is something which is deeply concerning many thousands of dedicated workers as we approach the Christmas period.

“That is why it is vital we get clarity from the government as to what reassurances they have given Nissan, and how they can extend them to the rest of the industry and manufacturers across the country.

“What this deal reveals is that the government has no industrial strategy, as well as no plan for Brexit. As a result they are making it up as they go along, which will only lead to further confusion and dismay for many businesses and workplaces.

“We cannot have a situation where the government are simply going factory-by-factory, we need the same assurances given to the sector and manufacturing as a whole to safeguard jobs and the local communities who are being left stranded by this government.“