BUSINESS Secretary Greg Clark will be in Swindon tomorrow to chair the next meeting of the Honda Strategy Group.

Mr Clark’s Whitehall department, Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has invited leading councillors, business leaders and union representatives to meet to discuss the latest steps to prevent the announced closure of the South Marston plant, scheduled for 2022.

Leader of Swindon Borough Council David Renard said: “I was a little surprised to get the invitation from Mr Clark, because I thought we were waiting for Honda to finish their consultation period with their employees.

"I’m expecting to co-chair the meeting with Mr Clark, And I expect he’s got some news to give us.”

Other councillors expected include Labour group leader Jim Grant, and Conservative cabinet members for economic development Oliver Donachie and for finance Russell Holland.

Trade union Unite’s Wiltshire officer Alan Tomala will also be there along with Tony Hulbert representing workers in companies in Honda’s supply chain.

Mr Tomala said: “I think the focus of the meeting is mainly on the supply chain rather than Honda, but we’ll find out more at the meeting.

“Our main priority is to make sure that Mr Clark’s department remains committed to supporting our efforts and working to keep Honda here in Swindon. We met officials in London yesterday and the commitment is there and we’ll all work to develop a case to put to the board in Japan.”

Business Secretary Greg Clark said:“Honda’s exceptional workforce have been a crucial factor in securing Swindon’s reputation for manufacturing excellence, and our taskforce is dedicated to ensuring this continues to be recognised both here and abroad.

“Our meeting this week is part of the extensive ongoing work that brings together the government, associates, the Trade Unions, suppliers, Swindon Council, local MPs and the whole local community in making a compelling case that shows with evidence that this decision should be reversed.”