Andy Burnham wins concession to give regions a voice in Brexit

Andy Burnham

Brexit Secretary David Davis announced he will give the North of England a stronger voice in the negotiations following pressure from Andy Burnham.

During the Commons’ statement on the Prime Minister’s speech, Labour’s candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester complained of a London-centric right-wing approach to Brexit.

Mr Burnham told the House that May’s speech had contained no mention of English regions and challenged Mr Davis to create a Brexit committee of the nations and regions.

In his reply, the Brexit Secretary made an unexpected announcement that he will convene a meeting of all Mayors of the North on the Government’s Brexit negotiations after May’s elections.

Mr Burnham said: “I am surprised but pleased to hear this commitment. The regions cannot be shut out of this any longer.

“I support reform of freedom of movement, but in a way that does least damage to the economy and in particular the regional economy. The Prime Minister’s speech today makes specific mention of protecting the interests of Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast and the City of London. But there was no mention at all of the North West of England, Greater Manchester or any English region.

“Rather than leaving these crucial decision to a London-centric right-wing clique around the Prime Minister, it is time to open up the debate, give Greater Manchester a voice in it and establish a Brexit committee of the nations and regions.”