POLITICIANS have been accused of 'scare-mongering' and using the Mini plant as a 'political pawn' after BMW announced plans to shutdown for four weeks after Brexit.

Supporters of the UK leaving the EU reacted with anger after both Oxford MPs said the move showed the extent of uncertainty businesses have over the process.

James Fredrickson, who will contest Layla Moran's seat of Oxford West and Abingdon for the Conservatives at the next election, said: "A sensible business tweaking their calendar to mitigate against an unlikely risk.

"BMW should be welcomed and cherished as a local employer - not used as a political pawn by those who are supposed to be working in their interest."

The German car manufacturer has chosen to take the unprecedented step to move its annual shutdown from August to April next year due to uncertainties over how Brexit will effect its ability to move car parts across the border.

Essential maintenance and work to prepare the plant to begin constructing electric Minis will now take place in the period immediately following the UK's exit date of March 29.

Commentators have said the news has been over-played, claiming it is 'nothing unusual' and a 'PR stunt' by the company.

But John Howarth, an MEP for South East England, said he fears for the future unless car companies are given more certainty.

He added: “Car manufacturing with BMW in Oxford has been a great success story - I will continue to make the case for manufacturing, but unless the Government changes course I fear the worst.”