NORTH Ayrshire Labour welcomed Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow International Trade Secretary and part of Labour’s “Brexit” team to Saltcoats Town Hall last week.

Mr Gardiner discussed with local members the complex issue of Brexit.

He told local members “Labour are opposing a Tory Brexit as well as the divisive nationalism of the SNP that offers no solutions and only puts the Scottish economy at even greater risk.”

He added: “North Ayrshire knows what the cost of a bad trade deal would be.

“Many remember the so called “Banana Wars” when North Ayrshire companies such as Arran Aromatics had trade sanctions imposed on them because of a distant World Trade Organisation dispute in the USA over banana imports.

“So Labour will get the best deal by staying true to our values as set out in our six tests for Brexit.”

Local CLP Secretary Scott Wilson said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Barry to North Ayrshire.

“Our members asked the difficult questions and Barry certainly answered them.”

He added: “We all definitely walked away knowing a lot more about the issue of “Brexit” and it was good to have such an open discussion and we look forward to continuing the dialogue with Barry and his colleagues in the Shadow Cabinet as Brexit negotiations proceed to their conclusion.”