Ahead of the Scottish independence vote this September Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, has highlighted the important links between the north east and Scotland.

In a visit to Edinburgh to meet Johann Lamont MSP, leader of Scottish Labour, Bridget reaffirmed the strong cultural and historic ties between the north east and Scotland.

Alongside Phil Wilson MP, Bridget andJohann discusssedthe economic, cultural and familial affinity between the north eastand Scotland. This close relationship is important to building trade and economic links with the rest of the UK and beyond.

A Yes vote in the independence referendum would leave both areas more isolated by putting up barriers to trade and investment.

Speaking in support of the ‘Better Together’ campaign for a No vote in the Scottish independence referendum, Bridget said:

“Scotland is a vital part of the United Kingdom; together we are stronger than either country would be apart.

“The north east has a vital stake in the independence debate and I would ask people with friends and relatives in Scotland to encourage them to vote against independence.”