EU puts UK-Nissan deal under scrutiny

[VectraMan]

Mr Clark has insisted that that there was "no cheque book" involved in the assurances given to Nissan.

All in fifties then?

[eek]

A more truthful story would be

French Government very annoyed as they discover Nissan won't use and rescue the Renault factories that will close due to lack of demand for Renault badged low quality tulip....

Sunderland is not just the most efficient factory in europe its amongst the highest quality as well...

[MrMarkyMark]

The Commission spokesman said: "The UK authorities have not notified any support to Nissan for assessment under our state aid rules and we've therefore not taken any formal view of this matter."

So, a complete none story then

[scooterscot]

So while the British government can refuse to tell the British people and the British parliament what they have agreed - the French government, French legislature and French people can find out.

So we've got our democracy back...

[SueEllen]

Funny thing is the French government owns part of Nissan linky and linky as they have a cross-share agreement.

So while the British government can refuse to tell the British people and the British parliament what they have agreed - the French government, French legislature and French people can find out.

[scooterscot]

Oh dear - The UK breaking the rules before leaving the EU? I imagine the EU will be sending the UK an invoice shortly!

EU puts UK-Nissan deal under scrutiny

Nissan car plant in SunderlandAFP/Getty
Nissan's announcement protected thousands of manufacturing jobs in Sunderland
The European Commission says it is in contact with UK authorities after Japan's Nissan said it had been given "support and assurances" over Brexit.

Nissan's commitment to its Sunderland car plant, the UK's biggest, had been in doubt following the EU referendum.

But after government pledges, Nissan is to build two key models in the UK.

"We have seen the press reports regarding Nissan and as a result the Commission... is in contact with the UK authorities," a spokesman said.

UK Business Secretary Greg Clark has said Nissan was told that the government would seek tariff-free access to EU markets for the car industry.

However, the agreement has raised fears that the government might have breached EU rules preventing unfair state aid to companies.

The Commission spokesman said: "The UK authorities have not notified any support to Nissan for assessment under our state aid rules and we've therefore not taken any formal view of this matter."

Depending on the terms of the UK's exit from the EU, Britain may well no longer be bound by EU state aid rules following Brexit.

But as long as it remains a member, the UK would not be able to favour particular companies. Mr Clark has insisted that that there was "no cheque book" involved in the assurances given to Nissan.