BOURNEMOUTH is among the areas that could be worst hit by a “hard Brexit” that involves quitting the single European market, it is claimed.

A report by the Centre for Cities has shown that 58 per cent of the area’s exports go to the EU – with transport equipment the top industry.

The report says 11 per cent of the area’s exports are to the US and only two per cent to China.

That puts it 13th among primary urban areas, or “cities”, most dependent on exports to the EU.

Theresa May has indicated she wants Britain to leave the single European market and customs union when it quits the EU.

The figures have been seized upon by the Liberal Democrats, who want the government’s final Brexit deal to be put to a referendum.

Baroness Susan Kramer, the party’s Treasury spokesman, said: “These figures show exports to Europe are absolutely critical to Bournemouth.

“No desperate deal with President Trump could make up for the damage done by Theresa May if she pulls Britain out of the single market – something she has said she is prepared to do even if she hasn’t secured a new trade deal with the EU.

“The government is threatening local jobs with its reckless plan for a hard Brexit.

“Whether they voted Leave or Remain, it’s crucial local people get a say over what happens next.”

Bournemouth voted by 55 per cent to 45 per cent to leave the EU in last year’s referendum.

Bournemouth West’s Conservative MP Conor Burns, who campaigned to leave the EU, insisted Britain could strike a good deal to allow access to the single European market.

“I’m not surprised that the majority of our exports go to the rest of the European Union. They’re our closest geographic neighbour and therefore our closest marketplace,” he said.

“I think the time has come to stop rehearsing the arguments of the referendum, which are settled. Theresa May has made it very clear that it’s the government’s overriding priority to secure the best possible trade deal with our European friends.”

He said membership of the single market was incompatible with being an independent nation because it involved free movement of people and the rule of European law.

“Too many people are conflating membership and access to the single market,” he said.