The News Media Association says it is seeking assurances that the supply of newsprint after the United Kingdom leaves the European Union.

The trade body for the regional and national press has written to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy over concerns production of national and local newspapers could be disrupted after Brexit.

The industry depends upon the import of newsprint for around half of its total supplies, the majority from the EU/EFTA states.

The NMA’s legal, policy and regulatory affairs director Santha Rasaiah said the organisation would “welcome assurances” from the government on the matter.

Wrote Santha: “The unimpeded supply of newsprint necessary for production of daily, weekly and Sunday newspapers is clearly crucial to the entire industry.

“The NMA would therefore welcome assurances that the government is taking steps to ensure that there will be no impediment post-Brexit to the supply of newsprint, newspaper publication and dissemination of news.

“We would appreciate the opportunity to meet and discuss this in more detail.

“I would be happy to liaise on any suitable dates and times.”