LARGE parts of the North West have voted to leave the EU.
The referendum has highlighted deep divisions within the UK
Whilst Manchester, Liverpool, Stockport, Trafford and the Wirral voted to Remain in yesterday’s EU Referendum, the majority of areas across the North West (54%) voted to leave.
Labour MP for Manchester Central, Lucy Powell, said the result was a 'devastating outcome for jobs and the economy'.
Meanwhile, Labour MP for Blackley and Broughton and Leave supporter, Graham Stringer, said: 'We've got to negotiate a good deal - the countries in the EU are still our friends... But a self-governing country is not uncharted waters'.
In Manchester 121,823 (60%) voted to remain, whilst 118,453 (58%) voted to stay in Liverpool.
58% of those in Trafford also wanted to remain, as did 52% in Stockport.
Labour MP for Manchester Central, Lucy Powell, said the result was a 'devastating outcome for jobs and the economy'Blackpool had the highest percentage of leavers across the North West, with 68% voting to leave, whilst Burnley (67%), Wigan (64%), Tameside (61%), Oldham (61%), Rochdale (60%), Bolton (58%), Salford (57%), Bury (54%) and Blackburn (56%) also voted out.
Chester, Cheshire West and Cheshire East also all voted to leave.
Greater Manchester's Interim Mayor and police and crime commissioner, Tony Lloyd, said: “It is no secret that this is not the result Greater Manchester leaders had hoped for but GM is a vibrant and resilient place.
"Our city-region will continue to transform and grow, driven by the talent and determination of our people.
"Throughout the EU exit negotiations people in GM will expect the UK Government to protect Greater Manchester’s place as an international city-region."
How the North West voted. Remain in blue, Leave in red.Over 30 million people voted in the referendum, with 17,410,742 voting to leave the EU and 16,141,241 voting to stay.
The referendum has highlighted deep divisions within the UK, with all 32 Scottish areas voting to remain, as did 56% of Northern Ireland. The majority of English and Welsh voters, meanwhile, wanted out.
In London 60% voted to remain, whilst in the West Midlands 59% voted to leave.
Turnout was high at 72%, the highest in a UK vote since 1992.
David Cameron has said he will step down as Prime Minister following the vote. Speaking outside Downing Street this morning he said “I do not think it would be right for me to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.”
Cameron has said he will remain in his post until his party choses a new leader at the Conservative party conference in October.
Meanwhile, UKIP leader Nigel Farage has called for the 23 June to become a public holiday.
Steven Woolfe, UKIP MEP for the North West, said: "This is our independence day, the most significant thing you can have for a country. We have democracy restored."
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