Our children’s futures are undermined by record child poverty and underinvestment in our schools. Many members of our working population are trapped in a low-skilled economy, with little job security, on zero-hour contracts and poor wages. Our streets have broken pavements and there are potholes in the roads. Our health service is overstretched, and public transport and other public services are increasingly unreliable. Household debt is spiralling out of control, as are alcohol, drugs and gambling addictions.
We believe regional government is the best way to free the people of Yorkshire from these and other constraints on their lives. Liberating Yorkshire stands for establishing a regional government that enables its citizens to take control of their internal affairs.
White paper on English devolution
In her opening remarks to the government’s white paper on English devolution, Angela Rayner was right to acknowledge that England is one of the most centralised developed countries and that the controlling hand of central government is stifling initiative and development throughout the country.
We at Liberating Yorkshire are big fans of the deputy prime minister. We see her as a working-class heroine who wants the best for the people she grew up with.
However, the white paper she presented to parliament is yet another top-down reform of local government, which has what has led to our current predicament in Yorkshire. In this white paper, Rayner tries to increase local control ‘within’ the constraints of our current system, parliamentary sovereignty. The paper does aim to devolve more powers to Yorkshire’s four regional mayors and local authorities, allowing them to make decisions that better reflect local needs and priorities.
Rayner hopes to stimulate growth and reduce regional inequalities by giving regions more control over economic policies. While the paper proposes some economic powers, it does not go as far as we and some mayors would like, particularly in areas like 16–19 education and fiscal devolution. There is a risk that East and North Yorkshire residents will not benefit from central resources as much as South and West Yorkshire residents, leading to unacceptable inequalities in development.
A unified Yorkshire
We believe in the principle of subsidiarity. Subsidiarity helps ensure that decisions are made efficiently, at the level closest to the people they affect, promoting autonomy and empowering smaller communities. Combining these small communities into a unified Yorkshire would empower them even more by providing a stronger voice in national and international matters, potentially attracting more investment and development opportunities to the region. Unifying Yorkshire in this way will be of historical significance and require cross-party support for constitutional reform.
Constitutional reform
Our biggest concern is what happens if an incoming Westminster government opposes the principle of devolved power and decides to return everything to the centre. Under our current constitutional arrangements, nothing can prevent them from doing that.
Genuine regional government involves shaping the region’s future, making laws, setting priorities, raising funds and governing unhindered by Westminster interference. Achieving this will require passing a new codified constitution for the UK that, among other things, allows the regions of England to create their separate constitutional arrangements.
The Scottish Constitutional Convention was an excellent example of how inclusive and participatory processes can successfully lead to political system change. A constitution developed with broad-based citizen and stakeholder input is more likely to be stable and enduring, reflecting the will and needs of the people. We are asking for similar.
The white paper on English devolution may offer a temporary solution, but Yorkshire’s challenges run deeper. It’s time to break free from the limitations of temporary fixes. Liberating Yorkshire draws inspiration from Switzerland’s cantons, recognising that a more comprehensive and permanent approach is needed.
Inspired by the Swiss
The Swiss provide a prime example of how decentralised governance can work effectively. They balance regional autonomy with national unity, contributing to the country’s stability and prosperity. Local cantons can pass laws and manage their affairs, allowing for policies tailored to local needs and preferences. They have the authority to levy taxes, encouraging fiscal responsibility and innovation in public spending.
Citizens have opportunities to participate in government through referendums and other participative initiatives. Each of the 26 Swiss cantons has a separate constitution from the federal one. These cantonal constitutions outline the organisation of the cantonal government, fundamental rights and other essential provisions.
While they must comply with the overarching principles and laws of the Swiss Federal Constitution, cantonal constitutions provide a greater degree of autonomy and allow cantons to address local issues and needs more effectively.
Overall, the Swiss model of government offers a unique approach to democracy, balancing direct citizen involvement with regional autonomy and consensus-driven decision-making. Citizens have a direct say in policy decisions through referendums and other participative initiatives, allowing for high levels of public participation and ensuring the government reflects the will of the people.
The Swiss Federal Council is a seven-member executive body where decisions are made by consensus. This encourages cooperation and stability, reducing the likelihood of political gridlock. The system allows for the representation of different cultural groups, promoting unity and inclusion in a diverse society.
The disadvantages of the Swiss system
We can imagine huge benefits to adopting something similar to the Swiss system here in England. The Swiss political system, however, can be complex and slow moving, with multiple layers of government and numerous referendums. This complexity can be difficult for citizens to navigate and understand fully. The emphasis on consensus and gradual change can lead to inertia, making it challenging to implement reforms or respond quickly to emerging issues. The high level of citizen participation and the maintenance of multiple levels of government can be costly, requiring significant financial resources.
But all in all, we believe this unique blend of federalism and decentralisation is a good thing – one we in Yorkshire and the rest of England would do well to adopt.
More information
Please visit our website for more information about Liberating Yorkshire and what else we stand for.
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