No deal on Brexit would trigger economic disaster in North West – mayor warns

Greater Manchester’s mayor has warned that a no deal Brexit would be an economic disaster for the region.

Andy Burnham will deliver the grim assessment in his first major speech in London since being elected as mayor.

He has also called for Brexit to be delayed if an agreement cannot be reached before next year’s deadline.

The Labour mayor said: “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.

“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.

“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.”

The mayor has also called for more devolution, so the regions can take control of their own destinies.

He said: “Whilst Westminster has faced growing paralysis, Greater Manchester has been making progress and delivering results.

“Greater Manchester stands ready to take on more responsibilities, with the powers and resources to deliver.

“Devolution is helping us engage people in developing policies and counteracting the widespread disengagement from politics that led to Brexit.

“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.

“There are big cities around the world that are increasingly acting alone, or together in powerful networks.

“But London – and possibly Manchester – apart, English cities are not sufficiently empowered to join these new clubs.

“Consequently, we are missing out on where the action is in the new economy.

“When the business of central government is grinding to a halt, devolution is our best hope of addressing the challenges we face.”

Speaking about the summer of disruption on Northern Rail Mr Burnham said: “People’s lives have been literally been turned upside down by the chaos.

“I have no wish at all to be permanently at loggerheads with the government over the future of the Northern Powerhouse and nothing would please me more than to draw a line and agreeing a plan and timetable for the rail investment we need.

“But the broader experience of this summer is that we cannot again be left witnessing the failure of essential services but without the power to act.

“We want a mature partnership with government, working together to deliver our aims and priorities where they align.”