Keeping Honda operating in Swindon must be the first priority for government, Swindon Borough Council and trades unions said in a motion to be put to councillors.

But if the Japanese firm can’t be persuaded to stay, another car manufacturer, or a similar industry must be found to take its place.

Leading councillors from across the political spectrum worked yesterday morning to agree a change to the motion urgently moved after Monday’s shock announcement.

They wanted to reflect the resolve of the task force meeting, chaired by secretary of state for business and industrial strategy Greg Clarke MP on Wednesday.

The new motion says: “The priority for all parties is to work together to persuade Honda Japan to keep the plant open.

"Acknowledging that there is a future for car manufacturing on the Swindon site, the back-up plan must then be to find an alternative car manufacturer or comparable industry for this first class manufacturing facility.”

It adds if Honda is determined to leave, Coun Renard will write to the government saying it must help families and businesses affected, and the council should beef up it’s inward investment team to get businesses to come to the town.