A leaked UK Government document has revealed that it has offered Nissan state aid to save the car manufacturers` North of England plant – according to Bridge News (5/7/00).

The document, published Tuesday (4/7/00) and written by UK Ambassador to Japan Stephen Gomersall, outlines Government plans to prevent Nissan redirecting its investment from Sunderland to Europe. The document also reveals that crunch talks – between British PM Tony Blair and Nissan President Carlos Ghosn – will be held at the end of this month.

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Both the UK Government and Nissan denied that such an offer, reported to be £100 million by the Sunday Times (2/7/00), had been made and refused to comment further.

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