Today it was announced that The Queen has granted Royal Assent to the Article 50 Bill, giving Theresa May the legal power to start Brexit negotiations with the European Union.

I am disappointed that the Government did not adopt the Lords amendments, but we must now look forward. The priority now is to get the best deal for Sunderland in any negotiations.

Article 50 will be triggered this month and the real negotiations, which will last for two years, will begin. I will fight for the best possible deal for Sunderland every step of the way.