Granada Brexit

Britain has formally given the EU notification that it intends to leave the bloc.

Sir Tim Barrow, British ambassador to the EU, handed the written letter to European Council president Donald Tusk on Wednesday.

The minute the letter was accepted, the notification to leave was triggered.

Britain now has two years to negotiate an agreement with the 27 remaining EU countries over its future relationship with the bloc.

Andrew Percy, the Minister for The Northern Powerhouse, says Brexit can be a good thing for industry in the North West.

The MP was speaking at the conference for the Northern Powerhouse in Manchester.

He said local industries now need to look further away from Europe for business opportunities.

There are calls for the North West to unite and ensure its voice is heard during the Brexit negotiations.

The region's local authorities are being urged to form a single team who will campaign to represent our needs when the UK meets Europe at the negotiating table.

Think-tank IPPR North says the region lacks a coherent, united voice - unlike London and Scotland.

The claim is supported by Leigh MP Andy Burnham, the prospective Labour candidate for mayor of Greater Manchester, who is calling for the north to have "a seat at the table".