THE decision to produce the new BMW electric Minis in the UK is evidence that the country remains a top destination for foreign investment, says North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson.

Mr Tomlinson’s comments come after bosses at BMW announced on Tuesday that the decision to produce the new electric Minis at the company’s Cowley plant in Oxford is “great news” for workers in Swindon.

The move flies in the face of wild speculation in the national press which suggested the UK’s decision to leave the European Union last June could result in the Minis being made on the continent.

Mr Tomlinson, who backed the leave side in last year’s referendum, said: “This is very, very positive news for Swindon, hot on the heels of earlier welcome announcements by Honda.

“Our decisive action to rebalance our economy, support business and deliver a Brexit that embraces the opportunities of a growing global economy is paying dividends.

“This is why the UK continues to be the number one European destination for foreign investment, helping deliver strong economic growth and record employment.”

Late last year, car giants Honda, whose UK manufacturing plant is based in Swindon, confirmed it will continue to produce cars in Britain despite the Brexit vote.

Honda Executive Vice President Seiji Kuraishi said the Japanese automaker has "no intention" of withdrawing from the UK and promised to invest £200 million in its 250,000-capacity UK factory in Swindon.

Nearly 5,000 people are employed across BMW’s plants in Swindon and Oxford, and Hams Hall in Warwickshire.

The company's new battery-electric cars will go into production at the Oxford plant from 2019.

A BMW spokesman said: “It’s great news that Plant Swindon will have a part to play in this exciting new electric Mini.

“As Swindon supplies a significant percentage of pressings and of the sub-assemblies for Oxford, it will therefore also provide the parts for this electric variant of the Mini 3 door.”

The decision was warmly welcomed by representatives from union Unite’s Swindon branch.

A Unite spokesman said: “This is good news as it secures work for our members. In these uncertain times this announcement provides some much needed security for the workforce.”