Trade deals recently struck by the Government will mean lower food prices, more consumer choice and higher living standards for North Yorkshire, according to Keir Starmer.
The prime minister said deals with India, the US and EU would also offer people employed in manufacturing, who make up 9 per cent of the region’s workforce, greater stability.
Labour York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith said the deals had pushed through red tape that had seen opportunities wasted for the region.
But Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch said the Labour Government was dragging Britain back to closer ties with the EU after capitulating to US tariffs.
It comes as Mr Skaith met with the prime minister on Friday, May 23 to discuss the deals along with other mayors at a Council of Nations and Regions meeting.
The Government has said that deals with India and the US which including scrapping a 25 per cent tariff on steel with the latter will support more than 1,500 North Yorkshire businesses employing 43,000 people.
It added 31,000 people employed in agriculture in the region would also benefit from goods having greater market access with the EU.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s talks, Prime Minister Sir Keir said the deals would create opportunities for more seamless trade and attract inward investment that would grow local economies.
The prime minister said:
“These changes will be felt everywhere, whether it’s lower food prices at the checkout, more choice for consumers and higher living standards that will improve livelihoods across York and North Yorkshire.”
Mr Skaith said the deals would give the region the confidence to compete on the world stage again.
The mayor said:
“I’ve heard directly from farmers, manufacturers, and exporters all raising the same concern, exporting has become a minefield of red tape, leaving food to rot and opportunities wasted.
“Our region is home to world-class food manufacturers who have been stifled by that red tape.
“This deal unlocks so much potential for York and North Yorkshire businesses to export with certainty.”
But Conservative leader Ms Badenoch said the deal signed with the EU marked a retreat for Britain.
The Conservative leader said:
“Starmer never accepted Brexit.
“Now, instead of taking Britain forward, he’s signed a deal that takes us back into Brussels’ legal and regulatory orbit.
“Instead of building an independent future, Starmer is rehashing the Brexit fights of the past and giving Brussels the upper hand.”
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