Despite Britain being a wealthy country, several English regions, including Yorkshire, trail behind. The underlying cause is unmistakably clear – the UK stands out as one of the most centralised among advanced democracies. This conclusion is gaining widespread acceptance among think tanks, political commentators, politicians, and academics. A compelling illustration of this is the divergent trajectories of the Basque Country’s successful autonomy versus Yorkshire’s ongoing struggles.
The decision to reject a One Yorkshire devolution deal in 2019 has proven a detrimental choice for the region. Yorkshire councils had submitted a proposal that promised millions for infrastructure spending, fostering better jobs, improved health, and overall regional prosperity. Unfortunately, the Conservatives opted for so-called ‘levelling up’ and instituted seemingly powerless mayors, further dividing the region.
The mayors, operating with restricted powers, have struggled to make an impact on the multifaceted challenges confronting Yorkshire. These limitations have hindered effective local governance, thwarting their ability to address pressing issues that demand comprehensive solutions.
The levelling up funds, ostensibly positioned as a successor to the EU structural funds though substantially less, have fallen short of expectations and they are insufficient to meet the region’s diverse needs.
Parallels between the Basque region and Yorkshire
The parallels between the Basque Country in Spain and Yorkshire go beyond their shared experiences of industrial decline. Both regions boast a distinct identity rooted in rich cultural histories, marked by a resilient sense of community pride. The transition from traditional industries to a more diversified economy characterises both Yorkshire and the Basque Country.
While the Spanish government granted autonomy to the Basque Country and supported it with fair funding, Yorkshire has struggled to gain similar recognition and investment from the UK government, as exemplified by the rejection of the One Yorkshire proposal of 2018.
In the 1980s, faced with industrial decline and the need for economic revitalisation, the Spanish government took a proactive stance with the Basque Country. They granted the region autonomy to tailor policies that addressed its unique challenges and opportunities. This decentralisation of power empowered the local government to make decisions that best suited the needs of the Basque people.
Moreover, the Spanish government backed the newfound autonomy with a fair funding settlement. Financial support provided the Basque Country with the necessary resources to invest in infrastructure, education, and innovation. This strategic allocation of funds helped transform the region into one of the richest in Europe, showcasing the potential benefits of regional autonomy when coupled with full government support.
A tale of two regions
Contrastingly, Yorkshire faced a different fate. The 1980s witnessed the deindustrialisation of the North of England, leaving regions like Yorkshire grappling with economic challenges. Despite having growth potential, Yorkshire did not receive the same level of support from the UK government.
The rejection of the One Yorkshire proposal exemplifies a missed opportunity for the region. This proposal aimed to unite Yorkshire under a single devolved government. This regional government would unify and give a single voice to Yorkshire with strategic decision-making powers. Unfortunately, the Conservative government dismissed the proposal, further hindering Yorkshire’s ability to address its unique economic and social challenges.
The rejection of the One Yorkshire proposal reflects a failure to recognise the potential benefits of devolution and fair funding for regional development. The success story of the Basque Country serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of autonomy when paired with substantial financial support. These powers have tailored policies to their unique needs and challenges.
This decentralisation of power provided the tools to address the economic struggles and empowered the region to make decisions aligned with the region’s aspirations. Moreover, the commitment of substantial financial resources complemented this autonomy, enabling strategic investments in infrastructure, education, and innovation. The combination of devolved autonomy and robust financial backing revitalised the Basque economy and positioned the region as an economic powerhouse in Europe.
This success underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach and the symbiotic relationship between self-governance and financial support in fostering sustainable regional development.
By denying Yorkshire the opportunity for greater self-governance and adequate funding, the government missed a chance to unlock the region’s latent potential. Yorkshire’s distinct identity with targeted investments in infrastructure, transport, education, and innovation would have catalysed economic growth and narrowed the North-South divide.
The Basque Country – a model for other English regions
The divergent paths taken by the Basque Country and Yorkshire in response to industrial decline underscore the critical role of government policies in shaping the destinies of regions. The proactive approach of the Spanish government in granting autonomy and providing fair funding has proven to be a successful model, propelling the Basque Country to emerge as one of Europe’s wealthiest regions.
In stark contrast, Yorkshire, now one of the poorest regions in Europe, highlights the need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of regional policies across all of England. The rejection of the One Yorkshire proposal in 2018 was a missed opportunity to unite the region under a cohesive governance structure.
As the disparity persists, a reassessment of regional development strategies becomes paramount. This rethinking process is crucial in fostering a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous future for all the English regions grappling with similar challenges. Prosperous English regions will bring prosperity to all of Britain.
