HONDA CONFIRMS UK AS GLOBAL HUB?

Brexit Central are linking to a report in The Daily Mail (HERE) about Honda confirming the UK as their "global hub" with the next generation Civic being built in Swindon for export to the US and Europe. I'm sure this is true although I don't see it reported elsewhere but the article carries pictures of the Civic and it talks of full production starting next February so I assume the decisions were made some time ago and everything was committed.

If so, this doesn't tell us anything about the future.  If there is no trade deal and exports to Europe carry a 10% tariff plus more tariffs on exports to territories where the EU had trade deals which we will now lose, the next generation of Civics might not look so certain. This is the problem.  Also, if Nissan  and Toyota move to Europe they will have a big advantage over Honda.

It isn't clear if  Honda were one of the businesses behind the letter sent to Mrs May a week or so ago but I would be surprised if they were not.  I think this is closer to their true sentiments than story in The Daily Mail.

MIXED MESSAGES FROM THE PRESS ON JAPAN

The warnings from Japan about investment in the UK if we give up membership of the EU are taken seriously by The Independent (HERE) which says they won't be alone in quitting the country if we fail to heed the warnings.

Meanwhile, over at The Telegraph (HERE) they say Jexit would hurt us but is unlikely to come true. They think it doesn't "reflect the public aims of the EU".  Oh really?  What about the countries actively trying to attract our businesses already?

One can easily imagine when Nissan and Hitachi and others announce they are moving or building new facilities inside the EU that part of the press most enthusiastic about Brexit will be saying don't worry they'll soon come back. For some people reality never appears.  Read the letter (HERE)