ACADEMICS and business leaders from the North-East are supporting calls for a second referendum over Britain’s exit from the European Union.

More than 60 company directors and professors are attending an event today at The Hilton Hotel in Gateshead where they will issue a stark warning over the implications of Brexit for the region.

The Business for a People’s Vote Rally is being held from 11.30am to 1.30pm ahead of tomorrow’s ‘meaningful vote’ on Theresa May’s plan to honour the ‘Leave’ referendum result of June 2016.

Richard Swart, of Berger Group Europe, based in Peterlee, who is also the honorary vice president of the North-East England Chamber of Commerce, will be among the speakers.

He said: “The Prime Minister’s scare tactic of suggesting that it is her deal or ‘no deal’ is simply not true.

“This event is being held ahead of the vote on Tuesday so there is an added urgency that the North-East makes sure its voice is heard.

“Every Brexit scenario confirms that we would be worse off.”

Ian Dormer, managing director of Rosh Engineering, in Blaydon, who will also be speaking, said political deadlock is creating ‘considerable unrest’ within the business community.

He said: “I am deeply concerned with the current situation. We plan years ahead and need stability to help is grow employment and plan investment in our businesses. We know that any negotiation comes with compromises. The promises made by the Leave camp in 2016 are now evidently not achievable.

“Now the public can see with greater clarity the turmoil that leaving the EU will cause it would be a great opportunity to revisit that closely fought referendum.”

John Minto owns Darlington-based Mintronics, a small to medium enterprise supplying 3D mechanical CAD software to hundreds of customers across the country.

He said: “A hard deal Brexit will nose dive the UK into recession and be followed very quickly by others in the EU as we all depend on each other.

“We need another vote because Theresa May has offered Brexit but it is not wanted.

“It is obvious before anything is decided they should define what Brexit is and then once everyone knows this have a vote.”

The event is being hosted by the campaign group, North-East 4 EU, which is urging politicians to stop a ‘no deal’ Brexit which it claims will severely damage the region's economy and exports.

Among speakers from the region’s business sectors will be MPs Catherine McKinnell, who represents Newcastle North, and Phil Wilson for Sedgefield.

NE4EU spokesman David Hardman, who heads Newcastle-based design firm, Outline, said: "Business leaders will make it very clear at our meeting that they are desperately concerned about the economic catastrophe that will befall the North-East if the Government and Parliament allow us to go over the cliff-edge of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

“The concern of the business community is now such that they feel obliged to speak out and urge the politicians to avoid this crisis by extending the Article 50 implementation period to allow for a People's Vote.

“Businesses are now telling us loudly and clearly that the politicians need to act now to avert disaster.”

Alex Ingham, managing director, of workwear clothing firm MI supplies, in Thornaby, said the company’s biggest customer had ended an £800,000 contract since the vote to leave the EU.

He estimated the business had taken a £750,000 hit in additional costs due to sterling fluctuation as a result of Brexit negotiations.

Estate agent Peter Smith, director of Bill Free Homes and Elvet Estates, in Durham, points out Ireland voted twice on the Nice and Lisbon treaties while Denmark voted twice on the Maastricht Treaty.

He said: “The argument over not having another referendum seems flawed, but, if accepted, then surely the same would apply to local and general elections, the people have voted so we can never change governments.”

Professor Thom Brooks, Dean and chairman in Law and Government at Durham Law School, part of Durham University, said defeat in the House of Commons for the Prime Minister will signify a constitutional crisis.

He said: “Voters should be asked if they support the PM’s plans and, if they do, this would be a powerful reason for MPs to support it. But if voters choose against, then we should remain in the EU.

“This doesn’t mean Article 50 isn’t triggered again, but it is clear that a new mandate of a fresh government or general election is required to restart any negotiations. In the absence of that, a People’s Vote is the sensible, practical solution.

“You can honour the will of the people on the last referendum best by ensuring whether or not leaving on May’s deal is what the public voted for, in the absence of Parliament coming to an agreement.”