HONDA workers marched through Westminster yesterday to lobby MPs in a bid to save the plant in Swindon.

Members of the Unite union have vowed to fight the decision by the Japanese-owned car maker to close the South Marston plant by 2021.

Alan Tomala, regional officer for Unite, told the Adver: “This is about broadening the campaign and taking it right to the heart of the political establishment.

“What it requires is not just our campaign in the local community, it requires political will. This is a huge decision, it’s going to affect huge amounts of people and communities across the country.”

Ray Spurr, deputy convenor for Unite, who has worked at the plant for 25 years, added: “Even if there’s a slim chance of keeping this plant open then it’s worth it.

“For all associates at Honda we thought we were part of the future of Honda and the electric manufacturing revolution. And when we received the news were were so devastated because we thought we were part of that future.

“As a workforce we have been dedicated, loyal and hard working, and have helped the company when we were needed.

“We are worth more than the decision that’s been taken.”

Worker Clive Miles, who has been at the plant for 27 years, said: “We are trying to save the future manufacturing jobs in Swindon. This isn’t just about Honda, this is about the whole industry.

“It’s a big part of our lives and will be a huge loss. Most of us are coming to the end of our working careers, we are here for the future generations.

An online petition to urge the Japanese Honda CEO Takahiro Hachigo to rethink the decision to close the plant has gained more than 12,000 signatures as of yesterday.

The company sent shockwaves through the country when it announced its plans to close the plant with the loss of 3,500 jobs and possibly 12,000 jobs or more further down the supply line.