JONATHAN Edwards MP is glad to hear that Westminster has committed to working with the Welsh Government to support local businesses who may be impacted by Honda’s decision to pull out of their Swindon base.

The Plaid Cymru MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr spoke at the House of Commons on Tuesday following the car company’s announcement.

He said: “Those arguing that this announcement is in no way Brexit related are insulting the intelligence of the workers in Swindon and those in the manufacturing companies along the supply chain.

“Two of those companies are based in my constituency and they employ hundreds of workers.

“What discussions will the British Government be having with the Welsh Government to co-ordinate a response to today’s announcement?”

In response to Mr Edwards, Greg Clark, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, said: “It is important to point to and acknowledge the reasons for the decision that have been given by the company.

“I have been clear that publicly the automotive sector has strongly advocated the need for supply chains to continue to be effective and uninterrupted.

“I work very closely with Ken Skates, my counterpart in the Welsh Government.

“We will make sure that we work together to ensure that the supply chain in Wales is part of initiatives we take moving forward.”

Speaking following the appearance in Westminster, Mr Edwards said: “The Honda announcement is very worrying news for Carmarthenshire.

“Two of the supply chain companies employing hundreds are located in the Amman Valley.

“I am glad that the British Government have committed to working with the Welsh Government to work with the supply chain companies in response to the concerns I raised with my question today.”

The carmaker has confirmed it will shut the plant in Swindon in 2021, with the loss of about 3,500 jobs.

Factory worker Martin Huggins called the news “a sad day for Swindon”, while a Unite union leader said the workforce had been “betrayed”.

Honda has said the closure is a result of “unprecedented changes in the automotive industry”.