Brexit '˜like turkeys voting for Christmas' say MEPs

The Evening Post contacted the North West’s representatives in Brussels to find out what happens now.

But with Article 50 not yet triggered, it appears there is no clear timetable for when they will have to pack their bags.

Labour’s Theresa Griffin, who backed the remain campaign, said: “I will still be your MEP until the UK formally leaves the EU in approximately two years time.

“These are very challenging times and we are already looking into what steps we can take to mitigate the damage to our local residents and economies. It is time to work together, heal the divisions in our country and negotiate the best outcome we can for all of the North West. We are stronger when we work together for the good of the region.”

Ukip’s MEPs said they were like “turkeys voting for Christmas” as they were firmly behind the Brexit vote.

A statement from Louise Bours and Paul Nuttall said: “The number of Wigan voters wanting to leave was almost twice that of those wanting to remain, a picture reflected in other traditional Labour strongholds.

“This referendum has given people a voice in their future and they have been clear they want to forge their way forward as residents of an independent and free country.

“Precisely what the future holds is as yet unclear and we are waiting for Article 50 to be invoked to put in train our exit path, though we don’t expect this will be before September.

“In terms of the future of UKIP MEPs we have always said we are like turkeys voting for Christmas but the timetable is currently unknown as it is up to the government what happens and when.

“Our job is to hold the government’s feet to the fire to get the best result for the British people in negotiations.”

Julie Ward, another Labour member who backed Remain, said: “Sadly, now we are alone and isolated, having abandoned the principle of solidarity upon which the European Union was founded after two bloody world wars.”