THE chairman of the Brexit select committee has highlighted the importance of 'smoothing the exit and avoiding falling off the cliff' on his visit to Warrington.

Hilary Benn, chairman of the exiting the EU select committee, made his third visit to the town on Friday after heading to Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub to speak to Warrington North Labour members about Brexit.

The Labour MP for Leeds Central, 63, backed Remain in the EU referendum but he is vowing to work with fellow MPs to help deliver the 'best deal' for the UK.

He said: "We are a committee made up of people for Leave and Remain.

"The committee has gone around the UK – we are determined to take evidence from everyone, not just those in Westminster.

"It does not matter what side we are on, our job is to scrutinise and hold the Government to account.

"Everyone wants to get the best possible deal for the UK – there is some debate as to what that constitutes.

"People voted the way they did for their own reasons.

"I would sum it up by people who were not happy with things and did not think they were being listened to – they used the referendum to send a message and as an opportunity.

"The 48 per cent, who voted Remain, are now in mourning and fear for the future.

"The referendum decided we are leaving but it did not decide how we leave or what our new relationship with our friends and neighbours will be.

"Everyone knows we won't negotiate a deal in 18 months for both the divorce arrangements and a full deal on trade and market access, which is what we need for the British economy.

"The transitional arrangements will be very important to smoothing the exit and avoiding falling off the cliff.

"We had a referendum and a decision has been made.

"We need to concentrate on getting the best deal for the British economy."

Mr Benn also dismissed any possibility of challenging Jeremy Corbyn for the Labour leadership in the future.

He added: "The Labour Party faces a big challenge – we are behind in the polls, everyone can see that.

"We should clearly not be debating among ourselves.

"We need to win people's trust and confidence."