Local Politics

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Berwick-upon-Tweed Constituency

Background of Berwick-upon-Tweed

The postcode NE65 8EF is located in Berwick-upon-Tweed, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP of the Conservative party.

Berwick-upon-Tweed is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Northumberland, encompassing a largely rural area with scenic coastline and the historic market town of Berwick-upon-Tweed itself. Established in 1885, the constituency has a diverse political history, frequently changing hands between the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties. Notably, it was represented for over four decades by Liberal Democrat Alan Beith from 1973 to 2015, before turning Conservative with the election of Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who has since retained the seat.

Demographically, Berwick-upon-Tweed is predominantly white British, with an ageing population and a significant number of retirees. The area has lower-than-average ethnic diversity compared to urban constituencies. Economically, the region is heavily influenced by agriculture, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. Its rural nature means that issues such as transport connectivity and broadband access are significant to local voters.

The electorate of Berwick-upon-Tweed is relatively small, reflective of its rural and sparsely populated nature. As of the latest data, the number of registered voters hovers around 55,000. During the 2016 EU referendum, Northumberland, the county in which the constituency is situated, voted to leave the European Union with 54% in favour of Brexit. This indicates a lean towards Euroscepticism, a sentiment that has been reflected in the constituency’s political narrative in recent years.

Berwick-upon-Tweed presents a mix of historical significance, rural challenges, and evolving political landscapes, shaped by both local and broader national issues.

Brexit

Did Berwick-upon-Tweed vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the people of Berwick-upon-Tweed voted to leave the EU, making their voices heard in the Brexit referendum. The constituency, with a strong history of independence and tradition, could have chosen to vote that way due to concerns about sovereignty, control over borders, and a desire to regain autonomy in decision-making. Additionally, the fishing industry, a key sector in the area, may have influenced the vote, as fishermen felt let down by EU policies restricting their trade. These factors likely played a significant role in shaping the decision to leave the European Union.