BMW to shut Oxford Mini factory for weeks after Brexit

Car manufacturer BMW is set to close its Mini factory in Oxford on the day of Brexit for at least a month as a result of growing concerns of a no-deal exit, according to reports.

The temporary shutdown, which was first reported by Sky News, could cost millions and have a negative effect on thousands of workers across the firm’s supply chain.

Workers have been told the annual summer shutdown will happen in April after the divorce as the company is forced to take action to prepare for the future in the case of a shutdown of the cross-channel supplies needed to make cars.

Before the Brexit referendum, the Leave campaign argued that a deal would be secured thanks to BMW because the firm would lobby Germany for for one. Brexiters believed the UK was too valuable a market for Europe to shut off.

With the announcement, BMW revealed it lacks faith in both sides to reach a deal that would ensure the normal functioning of business with the UK. The company already warned the government of the impact of a no-deal divorce.

A BMW spokesperson said: "While we believe this worst case scenario is an unlikely outcome, we have to plan for it.

"We remain committed to our operations in Britain, which is the only country in the world where we manufacture for all three of our automotive brands."

BMW’s announcement comes amid warnings from across the UK motor industry about the threat posed by a no-deal Brexit. On Monday Jaguar Land Rover announced that it was putting its Castle Bromwich plant workers on a three-day week to fight the challenging situation of the industry.