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<p>My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
met with the Honda Executives in London on 18 February, just ahead of Honda’s initial
announcement to close its Swindon plant on 19 February. Since then, the Secretary
of State has chaired a taskforce consisting of local leaders, MPs and trade unions,
to provide support to Honda’s 3,500 strong workforce and other businesses who would
be affected by the loss of Honda’s plant in Swindon.</p><p>Through the taskforce we
are determined to work together to ensure that Swindon continues its record of attracting
investment from advanced manufacturers, maintaining and creating highly skilled jobs
that offer fulfilling careers for many years to come. That will include engaging closely
with parties interested in future uses of the site in Swindon owned by Honda.</p><p>The
taskforce, led by local partners will actively assess and focus on minimising potential
impacts of Honda closing its manufacturing operations, embracing future economic opportunities
before, during and after Honda close their site. Honda has stated that they will retain
a significant operational presence in the UK, and through a network of over 800 dealerships
and distributors. Their European HQ will remain in the UK and their ongoing R&D
presence in the UK will continue, as will their Formula 1 operations.</p>
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