Andy Burnham calls for a contingency plan to guard against no-deal Brexit

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham will use his first major speech in Westminster since becoming Mayor to call for a contingency plan to guard against a no-deal Brexit.

The Mayor will say: “The biggest danger facing British politics right now is to allow this polarised ‘no-deal/people's-vote’ dynamic to shape the next six months.

 “Instead, Greater Manchester’s interests lie in finding a common-sense Brexit deal with the EU that as far as possible provides continuity, does not disrupt the supply chains of firms nor raise prices for our residents and businesses - but at the same time allows the UK space to respond to the concern about freedom of movement and develop a more controlled migration system.

 “In practical terms, this means effectively building up from the Chequers Agreement, not watering it down but, just days after the new political season has started, that is looking more and more unlikely. The odds on a no-deal outcome are growing every day; so we need a contingency plan.

 “As soon as it becomes clear that the MPs against a no-deal outcome cannot unite around a plan, I would urge all Greater Manchester MPs to support a call on the EU for an extension of Article 50 beyond the March deadline as the next way of stopping no deal.

 “This isn’t about frustrating Brexit. It is about getting Brexit right.

 “If that fails and we are left on the cliff-edge of no deal with no other options, then and only then would I endorse the call for a people’s vote on the proposed no-deal departure and encourage our MPs to do the same.

 “A price would undoubtedly be paid in terms of social cohesion but it would be a necessary one to protect the damage to people’s jobs, families and lives.

 “I realise that this is an unfashionably-nuanced position when simplistic big positions are all the rage.”

Mr Burnham will also outline the damage that a no-deal Brexit could do in Greater Manchester and why a cross-party coalition is now needed to stop no deal, he will say: “I am clear: no deal with the EU would be a disaster for Greater Manchester. The shock to our economy and public services would be huge. We are looking at double-digit damage to our economy and disruption to essential services.

“As far as there is any consensus on Brexit, I think there is now a clear majority of people who are against crashing out.

“That is the position that we need to unite people around as it stands more chance of garnering widespread support than leaping straight to support for a people’s vote.

 “So I believe we need to build in Greater Manchester a broad, cross-party campaign against no deal with the aim of stopping it at all costs.”

The Mayor’s speech is set to be a rallying call for further devolution as an answer to the current crises facing British politics.  The Mayor is expected to say: “However the Brexit endgame plays out, it cannot and should not distract from the need for a big reset of our own political system.

“In truth, the referendum result was as much an instruction for Westminster to review its relationship with the rest of England as it was for it to review its relationship with Brussels. 

 “What found its voice in June 2016 was the deeply-held sentiment that our over-centralised political system has neglected some areas in favour of others, but that uncomfortable truth has been allowed to be overlooked in all the to-ing and fro-ing over Europe.

“To leave it unanswered is dangerous.

“If the phrase ‘take back control’ is to mean anything, it must mean substantial devolution of power and resources out of Westminster to all of the English regions.”