HONDA and WH Smith have given their backing to Theresa May’s crucial Brexit vote in parliament tomorrow.

The two firms have joined Next, Royal Mail, as well as other car manufacturers including Toyota, Rolls Royce & Ford UK, in publicly supporting Theresa May’s Brexit deal.

The current deal put forward by the Prime Minister in the Chequers Deal includes staying in the European Common Rulebook to allow 'frictionless trade at the border' for goods and services.

Senior vice-president of Honda Europe, Ian Howells, said: “If it’s easier for us to do that into Europe because there’s a common rule book and common way of building and approving our vehicles, that’s positive for us.

“If those rules are the same as they are in the UK then of course, from a volume and productivity perspective, that’s much more favourable for a company like Honda.”

Last week the firm announced it would stop production at its South Marston plant, which employs around 3,600 people, for six days as a contingency plan for Brexit.

Justin Tomlinson MP for North Swindon added: “I am very pleased that Honda support the Prime Minister’s deal and I have worked closely with them throughout the Brexit process as they have fed in their views and suggestions.

"With major firms supporting the deal, it confirms that the PM’s Brexit deal will provide the best outcome for major employers, whilst also delivering on the referendum result in 2016 by providing control over our laws, borders and money.”

Despite vocal support from businesses, and even former critics of the deal, observers are expecting the vote to face staunch opposition from MPs in parliament, increasing the likelihood of a No-Deal Brexit.

Carolyn Fairbairn, the director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, warned: "It is too big a gamble to simply hope that parliament will blink at the brink.

“If parliament can’t agree then it is for the government immediately to set out what it will do to avert a no-deal exit, and to guarantee this.

“The country will then finally have the chance to move beyond the all-consuming obsessions of Brexit to address the challenges that have dogged our economy for decades.

“Lifting productivity, renewing infrastructure, solving our skills challenge, investing in new technology, restoring competitiveness, and making this country fairer – for everyone.”