"All-star team" of experts needed to negotiate Brexit deal for the north

An "all-star team" of experts for the North of England should be formed toensure the region gets the best deal possible from Brexit.

Think-tank IPPR North has suggested a so-called Northern Brexit Negotiating Committee (NBNC) to advise the Government on Brexit and give it extra negotiating firepower during negotiations with the EU.

The report says that unlike London, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, the North currently lacks a united voice through to voice.

It suggests a single voice would protect the North's economy on a strategiclevel - bypassing local rows or the special interests of particular economicsectors.

Ed Cox, director of IPPR North, said:

The report says access to the single market for key northern employers likeNissan through to European Union funding for economic development, and with new trading opportunities opening up, mean the North's economy will be significantly affected by Brexit.

It says exporting is likely to be a key priority for the North, with itsadvanced manufacturing sector trading goods like cars and pharmaceuticals.