Brexit news: Andy Burnham wants EU departure to give more resources to North and not Westminster
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Loading... - Bruna Rayes
- 05 Sep 2021
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More resources must be handed to the North after Brexit, Andy Burnham will say.
Voters who backed Leave were protesting as much about centralised power in Westminster as they were about Brussels bureaucracy, the Greater Manchester Mayor says.
Now neglected regions must get more power to build their own future as the UK quits the EU next year.
The Labour ex-cabinet minister will say: “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 was the deeply held sentiment that our over-centralised political system 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.”
In the speech, backed by the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, he will call for “a big reset of our own political system” whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
He will also signal support for delaying Brexit if no deal looks likely to be agreed before the March exit, as well as potentially backing a second referendum on the departure terms.
He will say: “As soon as it becomes clear the MPs against a no-deal outcome cannot unite around a plan, I’d 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’s about getting Brexit right.
“If that fails and we’re left on the cliff edge of no-deal, only then would I endorse the call for a ‘people’s vote’ on the proposed no-deal departure.”
Labour has not ruled out a second referendum, but Shadow International Trade Secretary Barry Gardiner has warned it could trigger social unrest. But Mr Burnham will say: “A price would be paid in terms of social cohesion but it would be a necessary one to protect the damage to people’s jobs, families and lives.”
