A MEMBER of the European Parliament (MEP) has taken in interesting approach to highlight minority languages and cultures – by delivering a speech in Geordie.

Labour MEP for South East England John Howarth spoke to the parliament this week as part of the Creative Europe programme for 2021 to 202, but as an “economic migrant” he decided to use a well-known dialect to promote the cause.

He said: “In 1982 I came to South East England as economic migrant from Thatcher’s unemployment, but I remain proud of my Northumbrian heritage.

“So as this may be my last speech in this chamber I will conclude with a few words in Geordie.

“Wen the tarkins ower, if the Reivers an Candymen o Brexit have hoyed us oot and the Brits are nee mair, divvint bother yersels ower much, cos wor bairns’ll put it t reets and tek us yem t’Europe afor lang.

“Gan Canny, cher collègues”

And for those who need it, the translation is: “When the talking is over, if the bandits and henchmen of Brexit have taken Britain out of the EU, don’t worry. The next generation with right that wrong and bring us home to Europe.

“Good fortune, honourable members.”

The speech came as the Budget Committee recognised the Creative Europe programme as an important investment.

Mr Howarth said: “I hope and believe this creates room in Creative Europe to support projects in regional languages and dialects because they are an inherent part of Europe’s cultural diversity. Catalan or Cornish, Breton, Basque or Sami - these identities are as important to many citizens their legal nation state identity. Language and dialect is central to folk traditions and suppression is always a mistake. They belong in Creative Europe.”

He added: “Over my lifetime I’ve seen the BBC embrace regional accents but television and radio has also ‘levelled out’ daily spoke language. There is a rich regional heritage all over England and throughout Europe that we should treasure. If projects do not support and record these dialects and reflect them in living art the words, phrases and an essential part of English heritage will be lost.

“I’ve been very lucky in life. Like many others, I came to the South East to find work and stayed for a lifetime - but I was just as much a migrant as anyone else who settled here. To be honest I liked the weather!”