BLACKBURN would be one of the towns where most jobs would be lost after a 'no deal' Brexit according to a leaked government report.

It would be the fifth-worst affected in the UK by quitting the European Union without a formal agreement says the document.

Its MP Kate Hollern said the report fulfilled her fears over the impact of a no deal Brexit on her constituency,

She spoke as EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said a departure deal must be agree within days to meet Boris Johnson's October 31 departure deadline.

The report, from the Treasury's 'Operation Kingfisher' study, said 29 of the 33 worst-hit areas (all heavily dependent on manufacturing) voted to leave in 2016.

Pendle Liberal Democrat peer Lord Tony Greaves warned similar damaging effects would be felt right across East Lancashire.

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans said Blackburn and the surrounding area would 'flourish' after Brexit even without a deal.

Mrs Hollern said: “The content of the report is no surprise to me. I have pointed out on several occasions how damaging a no deal Brexit would be for Blackburn.

"The EU continues to be the UK’s biggest trading partner and employers in my constituency rely on contracts with firms in EU countries. Trade deals take years to secure.

"It is vital that a workable deal is secured to ensure that jobs in Blackburn are protected. I am very worried failure will place many of my constituents into potential hardship."

Lord Greaves said: "The damaging impact of leaving without a deal will be felt right across East Lancashire, particularly in Pendle with its dependence on manufacturing."

Mr Evans said: "Blackburn voted to leave the EU.

"The government is trying to negotiate a deal despite the disgraceful antics of Labour MPs at Westminster.

"Even without a deal, Blackburn and East Lancashire will flourish after Brexit especially with the trade agreements that will be negotiated with the rest of the world.

"Not leaving the EU would be a disaster for democracy."

A Treasury spokesman said: "We do not comment on leaked documents."

Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central, and leading supporter of the People’s Vote campaign, said:“People did not vote for this. People did not vote to be made poorer or to lose their jobs. That is why this must go back to the people for the final say.