Nissan’s statement that there will be “serious implications” for Britain’s manufacturing industry if the UK fails to secure a trade deal with the European Union, is another serious warning from the sector.

Concerns raised by the Japanese company, which operates the country’s largest car factory, have particular poignancy as there was a suggestion the government had offered some sort of special deal to stay here soon after the referendum.

Sweetheart deal or not, this latest warning should be taken seriously.