Wigan MP to hold urgent talks with Heinz in wake of Brexit

Wigan MP Lisa Nandy will seek urgent talks with Heinz representatives in the wake of Britain voting to leave the European Union.
Labour's Shadow Energy and Climate Change secretary Lisa Nandy MPLabour's Shadow Energy and Climate Change secretary Lisa Nandy MP
Labour's Shadow Energy and Climate Change secretary Lisa Nandy MP

The shadow energy secretary, who had been summonsed to London for a meeting of the shadow cabinet on Friday morning, hopes to discuss “how she can help to protect jobs and investment at the Wigan factory”.

Heinz is one of the borough’s largest employers and Ms Nandy had urged voters to back the remain campaign to reinforce trading links with the EU for borough businesses.

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Speaking before Wigan’s and the main result was announced, Ms Nandy said: “Whatever the result it’s clear that this has been a difficult campaign that has divided families, friends and neighbours across Wigan, and we must now work together to address the very real concerns people have raised on both sides of the debate.”

Borough residents backed Brexit by 63.9 to 36.1 per cent with a turnout of just under 69.2.

Makerfield MP Yvonne Fovargue, who also campaigned to remain in the EU, told Wigan Today: “This was a rejection of the status quo by millions of people who are not sharing in the wealth of this country, for whom the economy is not working.

“After this divisive campaign and close vote, the first task is to come together and heal the divisions.

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“The immediate priority is to stabilise the country and the markets. Our country is divided and things need to change. Politicians on all sides must respect the voice of the British people, who have spoken.”

Calls for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to resign re-emerged in the aftermath of the historic vote and in a sign of escalating tensions senior MP Chris Bryant said of former leader Ed Miliband: “I might go and punch him because he’s a tosspot and he left the party in the state it’s in.”

Shadow chancellor John McDonnell admitted Labour voters do not think the leadership has been listening to their concerns and suggested the party would take a stronger line on immigration.