Responding to the triggering of the Article 50 process today, Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell said:

‘Leaving the EU will have a significant impact on the North East and our economy for decades to come – and yet we still have no idea how, or even if, the Government intends to properly engage with the region to ensure our interests are secured as part of these negotiations.

‘The Government has promised that the trade deal they want to reach will deliver ‘the exact same benefits’ we currently enjoy, and this is critical for the North East given that almost 60% of our exports currently go to the EU.

‘It’s now up to the Prime Minister to deliver on that commitment, but making threats about walking away with no deal – despite the clear risks this poses to our economy and national security – are deeply concerning. Her response when I challenged her on that point today did nothing to address these concerns.’