18.07.16
Northern combined authority leaders seek Brexit meeting with May
Leaders of the north of England’s combined authorities have written jointly to Theresa May, inviting her to meet with them to ensure that they are involved in negotiating the UK’s exit from the European Union.
In the letter, the combined authority leaders state their concern that the north will be ‘ignored’ between the demands of London and an increasingly powerful Scotland, despite the fact that its population and economy are larger than either.
They invited May to a meeting, hosted by interim-mayor of Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd, to discuss the north’s role in the UK’s exit from the EU.
The letter to May says: “As we negotiate our exit from the European Union, you have made clear that you believe in having an approach and negotiation objectives that include the whole of the United Kingdom.
“On that point we wholeheartedly agree. It is absolutely vital that the voice of the north of England is heard loud and clear during the Brexit negotiations.”
The letter is signed by Lloyd, Mayor Joe Anderson from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Cllr Paul Watson from the North East Combined Authority, Cllr Sir Steve Houghton CBE from Sheffield City Region Combined Authority and Cllr Peter Box from West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
The letter follows a new partnership between Lloyd and Anderson to work together for the prosperity of their cities following the referendum result.
Mark Rogers, president of Solace, has also invited May to a meeting to discuss issues including the devolution agenda.
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