A GROUP of Labour MPs have flown to Brussels to press the case for the North-East in Brexit negotiations with the aim of making sure the region’s interests are heard.

The group included Redcar MP Anna Turley, Stockton South MP Dr Paul Williams, Newcastle North MP Catherine McKinnell, Washington and Sunderland West MP Sharon Hodgson and Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson.

They were accompanied by North-East MEPs Jude Kirton-Darling and Paul Brannen.

A joint statement issued by the MPs claimed the Government was in “chaos” and it was impossible for proper negotiations to take place currently.

It said: “It has taken them two years, since the referendum, to come up with the patched-up Brexit proposal they agreed on at the weekend and that is already falling apart.

“Theresa May’s proposals fail Labour’s tests on protecting jobs and businesses and trade unions are deeply worried about the damage it will do.

“The plans do not reflect what either leavers or remainers voted for in 2016.

“People will not be prepared to pay a £50bn divorce bill that costs jobs and harms public services.

“Today we have been working to cut through the chaos and make sure the voice of our region is heard.”