SWINDON’S two MPs have said there is no cause for alarm over warnings that Brexit will adversely affect Honda’s manufacturing plant in South Marston.

Justin Tomlinson and Robert Buckland spoke after a report by MPs found that a single 15-minute delay at the site could add £850,000 a year in costs.

The figure – potentially resulting from border stops without a frictionless trade agreement between Britain and Europe – was described as a “significant sum” in view of the automaker’s reported pre-tax profits of £9million between 2016 and 2017 at the site.

Honda was also “actively looking” at moving type approvals – confirmation that production samples meet national performance standards - to another EU country, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy committee.

The evidence followed a warning from Japan’s ambassador to the UK, speaking after a trade summit at Downing Street last month, that the country’s leading firms will leave Britain if there is no seamless trade agreement with the rest of Europe.

Both MPs referred to the Prime Minister’s keynote Brexit speech on Friday, where she outlined plans to maintain free trade with Europe after Brexit. Theresa May said customs and regulatory checks at the border would damage “integrated supply chains” as she set out plans for a customs partnership and to ensure UK product standards remain at least as high as those in the EU.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “Negotiations have moved on significantly since the evidence for the report was sought, many months ago. Honda has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to exporting its cars. They switched to global production ahead of the Brexit vote and have seen sales increase. Both the Prime Minister, ministers and I regularly meet with representatives from the automotive sector, including Honda, and in her speech last week the Prime Minister was clear that she wants to work with the EU to deliver a vehicle type approvals system that continues to benefit both the UK and the EU. We will also deliver a modern customs system which works to ensure parts and whole vehicles can be freely traded.

“This is a policy very much shaped by Honda and others in the automotive industry and is part of our plans for our businesses to benefit from the growing global economy.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland was also upbeat about the prospects for the Honda plant despite the report’s gloomy outlook for the British motor industry.

Mr Buckland said: “I meet regularly with Honda to discuss these issues and have made sure that they have been able to engage with Government at the highest levels.

“The PM made it clear in her speech on Friday that we are seeking a customs partnership solution that doesn’t damage integrated supply chains and are also seeking a mutual recognition system that means only one series of approvals will be necessary.”