BREXITEER James Gray MP has said uncertainty around Brexit may have contributed to Honda's decision to close the Swindon plant.

The MP for North Wiltshire joined the taskforce meeting this week to discuss how to respond to the announcement from Honda about the closure and loss of 3,500 jobs.

Even though he noted there was a global downturn in demand faced by car manufacturers and concerns over diesel emissions, he admitted the uncertainty caused by Brexit had a small part to play.

In a letter to constituents he said: "Brexit, and uncertainty caused by it, cannot have helped. But it is in no sense to blame. 85 per cent of the cars manufactured in Swindon are destined for the US market; a large part of the balance is domestic.

"Those who have their own political reasons for doing so, will try to blame Brexit, but that really is both misleading and forlorn.

"There is no evidence at all of any kind of economic downturn as a result of, or in anticipation of Brexit; and it is ruthless and relentless scaremongering to suggest otherwise. These people are playing with workers’ personal concerns for their families, and it is quite wrong."

The rowdy backbencher, and author of a Full English Brexit, has previously criticised the deal proposed by Theresa May as 'unacceptable to almost everyone'.

Honda has repeatedly denied the decision is related to Britain's decision to leave the EU on March 29.

The MP added there were reasons to be optimistic about the future economic prosperity of the area.

"It is also worth remembering that unemployment in North Wiltshire is at an historic low," he said.

"There is a great deal of expansion and opportunity across the area, and I am hopeful that after the initial shock has passed, the Honda employees will come to realise the opportunities in the area which will now open up for them.