POLITICIANS last night debated the significance of a new survey which suggests the feelings towards Brexit in the North-East could be changing.

A survey of around 7,000 readers of North-East news websites from publishers Newsquest, Johnston Press and Trinity Mirror found seven per cent of leave voters would vote differently if a new referendum was held, compared with five per cent of remain voters.

The data also shows that those who took part in the survey in the North-East were the most supportive of leaving the EU in economic terms of anywhere in the UK, with 40 per cent suggesting we would be better off outside.

However, 46 per cent still thought we would be better off remaining in the EU. The rest were unsure.

Across the UK, the survey found 52 per cent of respondents thought the economy would be stronger if we remained in the EU, compared with 35 per cent who thought it would be better if we left.

The survey found that 61 per-cent of North-East respondents were not happy with the way Brexit negotiations were unfolding, compared with just 18 per cent saying they were happy.

More than half of leave voters said the were unhappy with the negotiations, whilst just six per cent of remain voters said they were pleased.

Across the UK, more than 200,000 people took part in the survey.

Anna Turley, Redcar MP, said: “As we move towards seeing the reality of what Theresa May’s Brexit deal looks like, it is not surprising that people in the North-East are worried about the impact on their jobs and the money in their pockets.

“The government’s own evidence shows that even the best possible deal will hammer the North-East more than any other region - the impact on our industries like the automotive sector, manufacturing and the chemical sector is going to be brutal.

“We already know the promises of more money to the NHS and more control over immigration are not being delivered so people are rightly asking why we are doing this.

“ I think more people may change their views as the reality of what Brexit actually means for jobs and incomes in this region starts to hit home. ‘ Simon Clarke, Middlesbrough South and east Cleveland MP, said: “The EU referendum was the biggest democratic exercise in British history and gave the Government clear instructions to Leave the EU.

“My constituents voted to Leave by almost 70:30 and nothing I have seen or heard suggests that’s changed - indeed, on Friday I was talking to constituents who raised their anger with the House of Lords insisting we remain inside the Customs Union.

“The opportunities our country will enjoy as a free-trading, global nation are enormous and Teesside in particular has the chance to deliver a Free Port at Teesport, something Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and I are working flat out to deliver.

“This simply would not be possible were we to remain inside the EU owing to a combination of the Customs Union and state aid rules.

“In terms of people changing their minds, I would urge huge caution with any survey that is not weighted properly in the manner of a professional poll - polling guru Sir John Curtice pointed out just last month there is “far from sufficient evidence” that a second referendum would reverse the result of the original vote.

“In any event, the referendum was held, the rules were clear that the Government would implement the decision that was made and I believe a far greater priority is to get on with making a success of Brexit that reopening the argument.

“That is in everyone’s interests.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “Surveys like this are backwards looking - talking about what might have been doesn’t help our communities.

“The people delivered a resounding result in the referendum, which was even more strongly stated in the North East.

“We need to stop with the nonsense of whether we should stay or leave - we voted to leave and it’s going to happen.

“We need to look forward and capitalise on the opportunities that will come from taking back control of our laws, borders, money and trade.”