On 19 June, Business Secretary Greg Clark convened the latest meeting of the Honda Swindon Task Force, bringing together civic leaders, local partners and MPs, Honda, Unite the Union, sector representatives and leading Government officials.

Meeting in Swindon, the Task Force agreed a number of priorities and tasks.

These included: matching the skills of the workforce to local opportunities; support for the supply chain; future opportunities for the site; and Swindon’s continued economic growth. Honda also confirmed its commitment to supporting the next phase of the work of the Task Force.

During the meeting, Mr Clark reiterated the Government’s commitment to increasing the competitiveness of the automotive sector and its supply chain, as well as helping suppliers and workers to identify new opportunities.

Confirming that the Task Force will continue to meet on a regular basis, he said: “Honda’s decision to close manufacturing operations in Swindon was clearly not the news we hoped for, and it came despite the best efforts of everyone to keep the site open for the long term.

“I have been struck by the resilience, commitment and hard work of Honda’s workforce and the local community.

“Swindon is a great place to invest and create high-skilled jobs, and our Task Force will continue to support this, ensuring that Honda workers and suppliers are supported and can seize new opportunities now and in the future.”