Unlocking the strength of bottom-up governance in Yorkshire will lead to a more inclusive, responsive and adaptable system where decision-making originates at the grassroots level, rather than being imposed from the top. This approach ensures that governance reflects the needs and interests of local communities, fostering greater civic engagement and accountability.
Liberating Yorkshire
The recently formed pressure group, Liberating Yorkshire, is a grassroots movement that aims to establish a regional government that allows Yorkshire’s citizens to take control of their affairs, free from Westminster’s dominance. This vision is rooted in people’s sovereignty, ensuring that decisions directly affecting Yorkshire are shaped by the voices of Yorkshire’s residents rather than dictated by a distant elite. Liberating Yorkshire is not a distant entity, but a part of your community, working to empower you and your neighbours.
Liberating Yorkshire is a vibrant tapestry of individuals, each with unique political beliefs and faiths, all united by a shared vision. This diversity is our strength, and together we strive to shape a brighter future for our beloved Yorkshire and its future generations. You are an integral part of this community, and your unique perspective contributes to our shared vision.
Liberty is about the people and the communities they comprise being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by external authority. It is a joyful experience – a rush towards new possibilities. It’s the power of choice, the ability to dream without limits, and having the confidence to speak up knowing you will be listened to. From Liberating Yorkshire’s point of view, liberty is the realisation that life in Yorkshire is finally ours and is ours to shape without the constraints of the Westminster government.
What is wrong with the way things are?
Our current system of parliamentary sovereignty has evolved over centuries, rooted in medieval assemblies and councils. It is the principle that parliament has supreme legal authority, meaning it can create or repeal laws without being overridden by external forces, including the electorate and its voters.
With it evolved the principle of cabinet government. The cabinet has become the key decision-making body that steers national policy and maintains parliamentary control, often shaping debates. Here lies the problem.
Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, has been critical of the whipping system in UK politics. He argues that it prevents MPs from acting independently and representing their constituencies effectively. He has described the system as treating MPs like “school kids” and believes it turns politicians into “frauds” by forcing them to follow party lines rather than their judgement. Burnham has also suggested that the system concentrates power in the hands of unelected advisers and civil servants rather than elected representatives.
He has called for the abolition of the whipping system and supports proportional representation to improve political decision-making. His views reflect a broader frustration with the centralised nature of British politics and the pressure elected representatives face to conform rather than advocate for their communities.
People’s sovereignty
Liberating Yorkshire advocates people’s sovereignty.
In stark contrast to parliamentary sovereignty, the principle of people’s sovereignty unequivocally asserts that a government’s authority stems from the people it governs. This principle is intrinsically linked to self-determination, empowering groups to make decisions without external interference.
People’s sovereignty fundamentally reshapes local governance by emphasising decentralisation, democratic participation and accountability. Local authorities gain greater autonomy, reducing dependence on Westminster. This allows places like Yorkshire to make decisions tailored to their communities rather than following a one-size-fits-all national policy determined by outsiders.
When people feel their voices directly influence governance, participation in local elections and policymaking tends to rise, fostering a more engaged and politically active society. This increased engagement paves the way for positive change, as more voices are heard and more perspectives are considered in the decision-making process.
While people’s sovereignty may differ from the British way of doing things, it’s important to note that other countries have successfully implemented these principles. For example, Switzerland has a deeply entrenched tradition of consensus-driven democracy, which prioritises broad agreement and careful deliberation. The Swiss model emphasises the importance of thoughtful decision-making, with citizens frequently voting on key policies through referendums. This means major decisions often need approval beyond just politicians.
Slow and stable: improving participation levels
Multiple layers of review ensure policies are thoroughly scrutinised, reducing hasty or drastic legislative changes. The result? A system that, while notoriously slow, provides a high level of participation. This participation, in turn, offers a sense of stability to Swiss citizens, who value it highly. Would you prefer speed over stability in government, or do you think Switzerland has struck the right balance?
In Germany, Austria and, more recently, France and Spain, regional governance institutions have long been determinants of national policy. These institutions, which have significant decision-making powers at the regional level, often influence or even shape national policies.
New Zealand’s Treaty of Waitangi provides a framework for the government’s cooperative relationship with indigenous Māori. Māori people know, however, that such rights cannot be taken for granted, however long established. Recent debates have emerged over proposed legislative changes that some argue could weaken the treaty’s influence and undermine indigenous rights. The Treaty of Waitangi is not just a historical document but a living, breathing agreement that shapes the relationship between the government and the Māori people.
These examples show that people’s sovereignty can be a successful and inspiring model for governance, though it should never be taken for granted. We must take these models and experiences into account as we attempt to negotiate a devolution deal or ‘treaty’ for Yorkshire with Westminster.
Enabling consensus, empowering community
Decision-making is not just about responding to the choices others offer us. It begins with neighbours sharing each other’s ideas, discussing them thoroughly, and compromising until they can reach a consensus. This process empowers individuals to take charge of their lives and environments. Importantly, it involves local and regional governments in supporting and implementing these community-driven decisions, providing a reliable structure for the community. This collaboration often leads to more effective and relevant solutions, making each individual feel valued and essential in the community.
For example, student councils can propose changes to the head teacher on the curriculum or school rules, making their educational experience more tailored to their needs. Residents can propose and vote on local projects, ensuring that they remain relevant as communities evolve.
When community challenges exceed the capacities of individual neighbourhoods, local councils can step in to make informed decisions and allocate resources effectively. Their role is crucial in ensuring the community’s security and confidence. Equally important, the regional government’s role is to address issues that affect multiple municipalities, fostering a sense of connection and community at every level of government.
Local pride and resilience
Yorkshire has historically been a region of strong local pride and resilience. The big question is how will that last if people’s views continue to be ignored and they are denied the opportunity to build a better future for their communities, children and generations to come?
For more information about Liberating Yorkshire, our ideas and policies, please visit our website: https://www.liberatingyorkshire.co.uk/
