No Bregrets: Sunderland after the vote to leave the European Union

Synopsis

It has been five months since the Brexit referendum, where a significant majority in the Northeast voted to leave the European Union. This decision surprised many, particularly in London, where there was an expectation of regret among voters. In Sunderland, 61.3% of residents chose to leave, raising concerns about the future of local industries, especially the Nissan plant, which employs 7,000 people and supports nearly 40,000 jobs across the UK. Despite fears, Nissan announced plans to stay in Sunderland and build two new models, citing positive discussions with the government about maintaining a competitive trading environment post-Brexit. The mood in the Northeast reflects a mix of optimism and uncertainty as local businesses adapt to the new reality, with logistics companies like B Dawson playing a crucial role in supporting the automotive supply chain.