NINE MPs and MEPs representing constituencies in the North-East have written an open letter warning of the risk Brexit poses to jobs and investment in the region, and calling for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.

The signatories are Bridget Phillipson MP (Houghton and Sunderland South), Julie Elliott MP (Sunderland Central), Phil Wilson MP (Sedgefield), Anna Turley MP (Redcar), Paul Brannen MEP (North East of England), Catherine McKinnell MP (Newcastle North), Paul Williams MP (Stockton South), Jude Kirton-Darling MEP (North East of England), Baroness Joyce Quin (Former MEP and Minister of State for Europe).

The letter was prompted by the Brexit warnings coming from Nissan and other companies, particularly in the automotive sector, who employ thousands of people in the North East.

The letter reads: “As MPs, MEPs and Peers from Sunderland and across the North East of England, we have a duty to our constituents to make sure we are representing them and securing the best possible future for them and their families.

“That is why we cannot ignore recent warnings from Nissan’s Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn that the company is “in the dark” over proposed plans for Brexit and that the company has no option but to pause investment plans in the UK until they get more clarity from Downing Street.

“Over 7,000 people are employed by Nissan in Sunderland, while 30,000 more across the North East rely on the plant as part of the manufacturing chain. Any risk to those jobs and our region’s prosperity shows why we believe that the Brexit deal being negotiated by the Government represents a serious threat to our future.

“The Government hopes to get a final deal on Brexit in March next year, but that’s no use for our businesses in the North East, whether they are large or small, who need to make investment decisions sooner rather than later. With the current mess being made of Brexit that confidence is at risk of quickly slipping away.

“Whatever you think of Brexit, whether you think it’s a good deal or a bad deal, there’s no denying it’s a big deal for the North East. That’s why more and more people are supporting the idea of a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.”