‘Region not in dark over Brexit’ says chancellor

THE Chancellor has denied Greater Manchester is being ‘kept in the dark’ over Brexit negotiations in remarks that have sparked further criticism from mayor Andy Burnham.

Philip Hammond insisted during a visit to Trafford that the region is being listened to – but said there was no need for a formal discussion process with local leaders.

He said he knows ‘very well’ the views of mayor Andy Burnham on Brexit, adding that structured talks with him would not reveal anything new. In response Mr Burnham said the government’s approach was ‘not good enough’ and repeated his claim that other areas were having more input in the process.

Last month he had slammed ministers for keeping Greater Manchester ‘in the dark’ by relying on ‘ad hoc’ discussions dependent on knowing people close to Brexit secretary David Davis.

But Mr Hammond denied that was the case.

“I don’t honestly think if we had a formal structure, we would learn anything we didn’t already know about the views and wishes of the mayors of the big cities,” he said.

“I know Andy Burnham’s views on this issue very well. I understand the views of Manchester businesses on what we need to achieve out of these Brexit negotiations and I certainly seek to represent those views in the discussions we have.

“But, of course, any negotiation has to be a give-and-take process and we are trying to achieve the best possible Brexit we can that protects British jobs and businesses.

“The informal networks we have allow us to understand the issues of different cities and regions.” ●●Chanceller of the Exchequer Philip Hammond on his visit to the region with (from the left) Lancashire Cricket Club chief executive Daniel Gidney, Trafford Borough Council leader Sean Anstee and club chairman David Hodgkiss OBE.

He added: “Nobody is being kept in the dark and we have contact with the big cities and big local authorities across the country.”

Mr Burnham has repeatedly called for Greater Manchester to get a permanent seat at the table – along the lines of Scotland and Wales – during Brexit talks, pointing out that 58 per cent of its exports rely on trade with the EU.

Responding the Chancellor’s latest remarks, the mayor said he had still had only one meeting with David Davis, last year, adding that West Midlands mayor Andy Street and London mayor Sadiq Khan had both ‘recently’ sat down with the Brexit secretary.

“While we appreciate the contact we do have, it’s not good enough,” he said.

“Some mayors have more contact than others. It’s not about egos, it’s about all areas being properly informed about negotiations.”

Mr Hammond spoke about Brexit while on a visit to Lancashire County Cricket Club in Old Trafford, where he was shown around by council leader Sean Anstee.