BUSINESSES from across the North-East gathered to question Labour's shadow Brexit Secretary, Sir Keir Starmer on Friday.

Sir Keir was addressing the North East Economic Forum at the Sage, Gateshead.

Following the Government's final Brexit deal and the wave of cabinet resignations yesterday, Sir Keir said it was more important than ever to hear the opinions of those in the North-East.

He said: "It's really important to be here in the North-East with over 100 businesses because it is my chance to hear them and that's the most important thing about today."

He added: "I want to hear what businesses have to say."

Keir addressed a packed room of regional business leaders, politicians and other key stakeholders, as they heard in detail of the negotiations and considered the implications of the Deal for the North-East economy.

In a press interview, Sir Keir said the next week would be a "choppy" time for the prime minister and that he could not see her deal making it trough Parliament.

He said Labour would work with all parties to find a better solution with different options which could include a People's Vote.

The event today is Chaired by Richard Moss, Regional Political Editor at the BBC and has been supported by amongst others Hitachi, Newcastle Airport, METEC and the North East LEP.

Alan Donnelly a Director of NEEF, and former North East Member of the European Parliament said: “At such a crucial time for the North-East economy, I am pleased that Keir has agreed to address key regional stakeholders on the implications of the Governments Deal for our region, it is also important to know what the Labour Party’s response will be to the Brexit negotiations and how the Governments Deal will be received from Parliamentarians across the political spectrum.”