THE Bishop of Durham highlighted the North-East's bond with Europe during an address last night.
Speaking to a Euro-friendly audience in Chester-le-Street, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull stressed the importance of partnerships which the region has forged with the continent.
The Bishop spoke of the "pivotal role" of the European Union in fostering growth and renewal in the region.
He said: "Most members of the European Community have recognised the importance of the region, not just the nation, in creating social identity and the means whereby people can more fully participate in the decisions which affect their lives.
"We realise that in many respects we have at least as much in common with other European regions as we have with other parts of our own nation.
"Our origins are European, our culture is European and our future is European.
"This does not mean we are any less British. Just as strong nations make a strong alliance, so strong regions make a strong nation."
He said Britain was now "irretrievably a major partner" in the EU, with its regions playing an increasingly important role.
He was addressing the North-East in Europe dinner, sharing a platform with Lords Simon and Brittan, at Durham County Cricket Club's Riverside ground.
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