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BUDGET 2017: MEP encourages South of Tyne to reconsider mayor decision

ByEmily

Nov 12, 2017 #budget, #Business

PAUL BRANNEN Labour MEP for the North East of England: “Today’s Budget announcement that the government has agreed a ‘minded to’ devolution deal with the North of Tyne authorities is welcome news, as it will bring £600m of investment into the region over the next 30 years.

“As we head towards Brexit the North East needs a champion who can speak loudly and clearly for the region to ensure we get our fair share of cash from Westminster.

“Money that our region once got from Brussels will now be coming from London and unless we come together with strength in numbers behind a mayor there’s a danger we will lose out to the existing devolved English regions such as the West Midlands and Greater Manchester which already have established mayors who speak for them.

“I understand why Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland and County Durham had reservations around a mayor given the limited amount of money on offer from the government.

“However the region’s seven councils working with a mayor could deliver much more for the people living here than if they stay divided. It’s bad enough that we’ve already lost Tees Valley out of the North East region, any further division will simply play into the hands of the Tories who are seeking to weaken the strength of Labour in the North East. It’s time to take this opportunity and run with it, for the benefit of our region as a whole.”

By Emily