A NORTH-EAST businessman has challenged an MP to a meeting to discuss Brexit.

John Elliot, chairman of Ebac, a manufacturing business based in Newton Aycliffe, has “thrown down the gauntlet” to Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman.

In a letter calling for a town meeting, Mr Elliot, who founded his business in Bishop Auckland, responded to Ms Goodman’s decision to sponsor a motion calling for a negotiated customs union.

In his letter he said: “I note with interest that you have sponsored a motion for consideration in the House of Commons today, calling for the UK to remain a member of the Customs Union with the EU.

“As you are no doubt aware, an estimated 60 per cent of your constituents voted to leave in the referendum in 2017. I’m sure you agree that politicians need to be accountable for their decision making, especially on such a contentious issue.

“In the spirit of accountability, I propose to organise a town hall meeting in the coming weeks, to which I will extend an invitation to you, alongside a politically balanced line-up of speakers, with both harder and softer views on the Brexit debate, to put forward their positions. It is my intention to use a professional organisation to arrange the event, ensuring that the event is appropriately managed and ticketed.”

Commenting on the letter, Mr Elliott said: “In the run up to April 12, the new date proposed for Brexit, it’s vital that politicians take the time to listen to and take cognisance of the views of the people they represent.”

Ms Goodman said she had been in touch with him to discuss a possible event.

She said: “Since the referendum I have held a series of meetings with constituents, and continue to speak with residents, businesses and trade unions throughout this process. This week, I voted in favour of three jobs-first Brexit proposals. I have been in touch with Mr Elliott to discuss this event in further detail.”

It is envisaged that the discussion event will take place in Bishop Auckland Town Hall before April 12.

A spokesman for Sedgefield MP, Phil Wilson, which covers Newton Aycliffe, where Mr Elliot’s business is based, said Mr Wilson had held regular meetings inviting constituents to talk to him about Brexit but had never been approached by Mr Elliot.

Mr Elliot's MP, Laura Pidcock, was unable to provide a comment by the time The Northern Echo went to print.