MP’s fears over Qashqai plant production review

Bridget Phillipson has reacted to claims Nissan could review its production of the Qashqai in Sunderland if there is a no-deal Brexit.

The Houghton and Sunderland South MP has said the claims – which Nissan has said it will not comment on – is further evidence Boris Johnson’s Government cannot be trusted to protect jobs across the city.

The Financial Times (FT) reported that a global review of the carmakers’ operations could result in the eventual closure of the factory, which would have a huge impact on the region’s economy.

The Japanese firm announced three years ago it would build a third version of the model in Sunderland in addition to a new X-Trail, following assurances from Theresa May’s Government that it would be protected from the impact of leaving the European Union.

However, the decision to produce the X-Trail was reversed in February and was followed by another confirmation just weeks later it would be halting the production of its luxury Infiniti brand at the plant. The FT report said a soft Brexit, with a trade deal of transition agreement was necessary, for Nissan to continue manufacturing in the UK.

Nissan said its plans to build the Qashqai in Sunderland “have not changed” but it said a no-deal Brexit would have “serious implications for British industry”.

Ms Phillipson has supported the People’s Vote campaign, which is calling for a public vote on the final Brexit deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

She said: “If confirmed, this is worrying news for the whole city.

“Just last week the Prime Minister claimed that he didn’t think the consequences of a No Deal will be anything like as bad as you say. We can manage the just-intime supply chains.

"It is further evidence that we cannot trust Johnson with jobs and livelihoods on Wearside.

“What is now proposed is a million miles away from what was promised by Leave campaigners in 2016.

“The democratic way out of this crisis would be to let the British people decide what is best for our country.

“The final say must rest with them.”