Lancashire by Antbex74 (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Jake Berry, the Conservative MP for Rossendale and Darwen and Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, has admitted his mistake when he voted to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum.
He has now changed his mind from being a 'reluctant' remain voter and would now be a leave voter due to the 'great progress' that had been made in the Brexit negotiations reports the Lancashire Telegraph.
It had been the boost in the economic performance for Lancashire and the North west that had made him change his mind Mr Berry said.
Fellow Conservative MP for the Ribble Valley and Brexiteer, Nigel Evans, expressed his delight at the news that Mr Berry had altered his view on the basis of the facts. But, says the Lancashire Telegraph, the Labour MP for Blackburn, Kate Hollern, said that Jake Berry's confidence was misplaced, “The local businesses I speak to are very concerned about their futures if the Brexit deal is not well managed. I remain personally very concerned." She said.
Jake Berry said that the Lancashire economy was now growing from 'strength to strength' with the latest Markit/CPI Purchasing Managers Index showing the North West as a 'standout' area with a PMI of 56.9* that the region is growing faster than London with a PMI of 54. Also that the area's global facing economy was now benefiting from the UK's decision to leave the European Union.
“I was a reluctant remain voter but now describe my self as a ‘re-leaver’ and having seen what has happened since the referendum would now vote for Brexit." He said
“We are making great progress in our negotiations with the EU.
“I am convinced Theresa May will secure a good deal for trade with the EU and the wider world which will be good news for Lancashire companies.
“The Northern Powerhouse will be crucial to Britain after Brexit.”
*Any PMI above 50 is an indication of growth.
