AS the transition period after the UK left the EU comes to an end on December 31, people in the North-East are torn over whether we should have left. 

The UK left the European Union on January 31 2020, but nothing really changed due to the transition period.

The transition period gave UK and EU leaders time to broker a deal setting out how we will work and live together, but no deal has yet been reached. 

READ MORE: Brexit: What changes you should expect as UK-EU transition ends

Boris Johnson warned yesterday, December 7, that talks with the European Union on a trade deal were proving “very tricky” ahead of a crunch meeting with Brussels’ top official.

The Prime Minister said he was still hopeful about reaching a deal but it was proving “very, very difficult” to make progress.

Later this week Mr Johnson will head to Brussels for face-to-face talks with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in an attempt to salvage a deal, with time running out before the current trading arrangements expire at the end of the month.

READ MORE: Is your dog travelling with you? Pet owners to face new restrictions on EU travel amid Brexit

We asked The Northern Echo readers if they still think the UK should leave the EU. 

Nearly 50 of you had your say.

Many reiterated that Britain has already left the European Union and the process now would be to rejoin, though the region remains split on whether being part of the EU is a good idea. 

Some of you debated whether or not a Covid vaccine was approved quickly due to Brexit, but, under European law, the UK was permitted to act independently to approve the vaccine in an emergency.

Denise Rossall said: "We need to start thinking about the UK and making it great again instead of all the doubters spreading doom and gloom. The people spoke and we left!"

Commenting again, Ms Rossall added: "We should never have joined in the first place, all we’ve been is a cash cow for the EU for decades."

Others agreed, saying they were "happy with it" and "upward and onward".

David Jackson said: "That's what the country voted for."

However, Rob Noon noted the potential impact on businesses.

He said: "Probably time to wave goodbye to Nissan."

David Dodsworth said: "We have no choice now but we will all regret the stupidity of it."