Council leader blames both major parties for Brexit
Burnley Council leader Mark Townsend has branded Labour and the Conservatives' handling of the EU referendum a "complete failure".
Speaking after Burnley voted overwhelmingly in favour of leaving the EU, Coun. Townsend said he now had real concerns for the town moving forward.
"I am very disappointed with the result but not surprised," said the Labour councillor.
"Burnley voted overwhelmingly to leave and I blame both the major parties for a complete failure to address people's concerns in Burnley.
"Labour for failing to address people's real concerns about immigration.
"The Conservatives for simply banging on about the economy and how much people would lose when many in Burnley feel that they have so little to lose in the first place.
"I worry about the implications for Burnley going forward and call on the national politicians to pull together to make Brexit work for Burnley."