Northern Powerhouse Minister urged to fight for North’s seat at Brexit table

The new Northern Powerhouse Minister is being urged to fight for the North of England’s seat at the Brexit negotiating table.

Andrew Percy MP, recently appointed as the Government’s new Northern Powerhouse Minister, is visiting Manchester today to meet with political leaders and transport bosses.

Last week Northern leaders joined forces to demand that the new Prime Minister ensures the North has a seat at the table during the upcoming Brexit negotiations.

During Andrew Percy’s visit, Tony Lloyd, Greater Manchester Interim Mayor, will reiterate this call to the Northern Powerhouse Minister and ask him to speak up for the North inside Government.

Mr Lloyd said: “With an economy stronger than Scotland’s and a population greater than London’s, the North of England cannot be ignored during the Brexit negotiations.

“Today the Government’s new Northern Powerhouse Minister has to show us he’s serious and give a commitment that he’ll fight for the North to have a seat at the Brexit negotiating table.

“Greater Manchester wants to see more devolution to local leaders as powers return to the UK from Brussels. People in GM voted for more control, not for an even more bloated Whitehall.

"Our place as an international business hub must also be secured along with funding to replace lost EU money.”

“Only by being in the room can we guarantee the best deal for Greater Manchester and the North.”