govt
Delivering on his commitment to meet with the Northern Combined Authority Mayors, David Davis has today held discussions with Andy Burnham, Steve Rotherham and Ben Houchen about the regions priorities for EU exit.
The Secretary of State was joined by Minister Steve Baker who will lead on future engagement with the English regions during negotiations with the EU. This reaffirms the Governments commitment to work with all regions to ensure that we secure a deal that works for every part of the UK.
Todays meeting in York gave Ministers an opportunity to update the Mayors on the progress of negotiations. It also enabled the group to discuss future trading relationships with the EU, the new UK immigration policy and the future of European structural funding.
Speaking after the meeting, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, David Davis, said:
As we continue to make decisive steps towards our exit, we are committed to bringing all of the UK with us ensuring that every region is able to flourish.
The Combined Authorities play a crucial role in representing the priorities of our regions which is why Im pleased that we are continuing to build a productive relationship with their Mayors since their election in May.
We will continue working closely with them to understand the potential challenges and opportunities that leaving the EU presents to each of the regions, building on the productive meeting we have held in York today.
Minister for Exiting the EU, Steve Baker said:
With our negotiations well underway, delivering a deal that works for every part of the UK remains our priority. Meetings such as these are hugely important to ensure we do just that.
Today has been informative and constructive and I am looking forward to maintaining this engagement with the Combined Authority Mayors in the coming months.
Todays meeting follows the Prime Ministers recent speech in Florence and the fourth round of negotiations in Brussels. It also follows two recent regional tours by Minister Steve Baker - to the North East and Cornwall - as part of the Governments continued business engagement programme.