MP's warning over 'no-deal' Brexit as Nissan bosses warn Sunderland plant is ‘unsustainable’ without EU trade agreement

Nissan’s global chief operating officer Ashwani Gupta has warned the company would not be able to sustain its commitment to Sunderland without tariff-free EU access.

It comes just days after around 7,000 workers at the plant rejoiced as the car giant announced that it was closing its Barcelona facility.

But Mr Gupta said: "You know we are the number one carmaker in the UK and we want to continue. We are committed.

"Having said that, if we are not getting the current tariffs, it's not our intention but the business will not be sustainable.

"That's what everybody has to understand."

Concerns are rising over the ability to agree a deal before the Brexit transition period ends on December 31, 2020.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the situation, Nissan have confirmed that vehicle production will get underway at the Sunderland planet from Monday, June 8.

Sunderland and Washington West MP Sharon Hodgson, whose constituency covers the plant, said: “These comments from Ashwani Gupta should come as absolutely no surprise. Nissan and the wider UK automotive industry have consistently warned of the dangers that a ‘no deal’ Brexit poses.

“Indeed, last year Nissan's European chairman, Gianluca de Ficchy gave a similarly stark warning.

“The Government must not risk the livelihoods of my constituents and the thousands of other people who rely on the plant in my constituency by pursuing a reckless ‘no deal’.”

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