Minister in Japan for talks with car makers after Brexit warnings

Business Secretary Greg Clark is visiting Japan to meet car industry executives as the Government seeks to protect thousands of jobs after warnings about the impact of Brexit.

Mr Clark is due to meet bosses at Nissan, Honda and Toyota to assure them that Britain remains "open for business".

Nissan, which operates Britain's biggest car plant at Sunderland, wants the UK to pledge compensation for any tax barriers that may be raised as a result of Brexit.

Toyota, which makes cars in Derbyshire, has also warned about the impact of duties as part of a divorce deal with the EU.

Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn later held talks with Theresa May in Downing Street and said he was confident ministers would ensure the UK remained "a competitive place to do business".

Now Mr Clark is beginning a three-day visit to Japan which will include talks with executives at Nissan, Honda and Toyota - companies that employ 15,000 people in the UK.

It is the second visit he has made since his appointment in July to Japan, which is the second biggest investor in the UK.

He said: "The whole of Government is clear that the UK remains open for business, which is why I am in Japan today, ensuring we continue our long-standing relationship with companies like Nissan, Honda and Toyota."

Last month, the Japanese government warned of a series of corporate exits and "great turmoil" if Brexit leads to the loss of single market privileges.