THERESA MAY was urged to "come clean" last night over incentives for Nissan to stay in the UK after claims the Japanese car giant is eying taxpayer support to ease post-Brexit tariff pain.

Ministers were accused of a "sweetheart deal" after it was reported Nissan will use subsidised business parks in the North East to build plants for new parts after "assurances" from the Government.

3 Theresa May has been urged to 'come clean' on what deal has been offered to Japanese car giant Nissan Credit: AFP or licensors

Ahead of the PM's trade trip to Japan it emerged the company could double the amount of parts it sources from the UK in order to offset the risk of any tariffs slapped on their supply chain after Britain leaves the EU.

The Nikkei Asia Review reported that Nissan "will encourage components manufacturers to take up residence in nearby industrial parks whose development is supported by the central and local governments."

But critics quickly pounced on this development after the UK gave Nissan "assurances" last year that their profit would not be hit by Brexit if they kept their mega-plant in Sunderland.

Business Parks are often subsidised by the taxpayer through local councils to help stimulate job growth by giving companies reduced rates and rents.

Details of a controversial exchange of letters in 2016 between the Business Department and Nissan were withheld from campaigners, prompting the Lib Dems to accuse the Government of "blanking out their blank cheque."

3 It is thought that Nissan will use subsidised business parks in the North East to build plants for new parts Credit: Alamy

Last night MP Tom Brake blasted: "we demand to know what assurances the Conservative government have given Nissan, and whether these assurances have been given to other car manufacturers."

A spokesman for Nissan said: “Nissan continues to work with the UK Government to ensure the company’s long-term success and investment in the UK.”

A government source said they did not recognise any suggestion Nissan had been offered any special deal.

Most read in news SKIN DEEP Skin rash IS Covid symptom, experts warn - the 8 different types revealed Latest RALLYING CRY PM says 'pull together' and warns 'your cough could be someone's death knell' MASS EVACUATION Thousands forced to leave mega caravan park as Covid lockdown rules kick in Exclusive PIERS PRESSURE Couple wiped out village's internet for 18 MONTHS to watch Piers on £30 TV Latest 'PERILOUS POINT' PM warns stricter rules likely to last 6 MONTHS ruining Xmas for millions FAMILY TIME Will lockdown rules be lifted on Christmas Day? GRINCHES Mum reveals HUGE Xmas gift haul for daughter - but some parents brand kid 'spoilt' COV-ER & OUT Lockdown-free Sweden 'on brink of BEATING Covid after achieving herd immunity' YOU'RE FRIED Wetherspoons chef who shared behind-the-scenes TikTok video is FIRED Exclusive OWN GOAL Paul Scholes breaches lockdown again by hosting footie tournament in his garden