Exiting the EU public evidence session in Sunderland
8 December 2016
The Committee on Exiting the European Union visits Sunderland to hold its first public evidence hearing away from Westminster.
- Watch Parliament TV: Public evidence session in Sunderland
- Inquiry: UK's negotiating objectives for withdrawal from EU
- Exiting the European Union Committee
Witnesses
Thursday 8 December 2016, Sunderland City Council
At 11.30am
- Richard Baker, Head of Policy and Strategy, North East Local Enterprise Partnership
- John Elliott MBE DL, Executive Chairman, Ebac and representative of Business for Britain in the North East
- Ross Smith, Director of Policy, North East Chamber of Commerce
- Cllr Paul Watson, Leader, Sunderland City Council and Chair, North East Combined Authority
Purpose of the visit
The hearing forms part of the Committee's inquiry into the UK's negotiating objectives for withdrawal from the EU. MPs also meet throughout the day with councillors, businesses, unions and local community groups to about what people in the North East would like to see the Government prioritise in negotiations.
Issues that are likely to be covered in the hearing include:
- What Brexit will mean for Sunderland – opportunities and challenges
- What Sunderland and the North East want the Government to prioritise in the Brexit process
Chair's comments
Commenting on the visit the Chair of the Committee Hilary Benn MP:
"Parliament has set up my committee to scrutinise the Government's plans for Brexit. To do that job effectively we want to hear from people all over the UK. Sunderland is our first port of call and we are looking forward to hearing about the priorities for the North East from the Brexit process.
There will be both opportunities and risks for the North East as we leave the EU and we are here to listen to the hopes and concerns of local business groups, unions and community leaders."
Further information
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