I voiced my profound disappointment in February with the white paper on English devolution. It falls far too short of the substantial devolution Yorkshire needs and requires a significant rethink. For decades, Yorkshire has been promised greater control over its affairs. Yet repeatedly, those promises have fallen short, leaving the region stuck with a system that isn’t working. Now, a coalition of seasoned campaigners is stepping up to demand something better, a true, lasting shift in power that puts Yorkshire in charge of its future. The time for this change is now, and we cannot afford to wait any longer.
The future of Yorkshire
On Saturday 7 June, these long-time advocates with over two decades of experience in local government, community activism and regional politics, will host a pivotal meeting in Leeds: the cultural, financial, and commercial heart of Yorkshire. The gathering will be more than just a discussion; it will be the start of a movement.
One of the biggest missed opportunities came in 2018 when leaders across Yorkshire put forward the One Yorkshire devolution proposal, a vision for a unified regional authority to give Yorkshire greater control over transport, economic development, and public services. This proposal was significant because it had cross-party backing, business support, and 18 out of 20 local councils. Yet, despite overwhelming regional support, Westminster rejected the proposal, preferring to divide Yorkshire into separate mayoral deals for West, South, North and East Yorkshire. This rejection indicated the central government was reluctant to grant Yorkshire the autonomy it deserves.
The current mayoral devolution model has failed to deliver meaningful change. Yorkshire has been fighting for genuine regional autonomy for years, but Westminster has repeatedly shut the door on those ambitions. This fragmented governance has hindered Yorkshire’s ability to tackle shared challenges. Even now, the formation of the White Rose Group by existing regional mayors is a tacit admission that the current setup isn’t working and is instead putting Yorkshire at a disadvantage. A spokesperson for the group stated the mayoral model is “inadequate”. We need real, lasting devolution, designed by Yorkshire, for Yorkshire.
Yorkshire needs a constitution
A constitution for Yorkshire will strengthen the region’s identity, reinforcing Yorkshire’s cultural and historical significance, fostering a sense of unity and pride. More importantly, it would mean that decisions are made closer to the people they affect, ensuring policies align with local needs. The people of Yorkshire could have a direct say via citizens’ assemblies in shaping their governance through democratic reforms.
A regional government could focus on policies tailored to Yorkshire’s economy, addressing disparities in income and investment when compared with London. This could lead to a more equitable distribution of resources and a more responsive governance system. I am pleased to report that the significant rethink I called for in February has begun, not by the central government but with an initiative sparked by the Sheffield philosopher and social innovator Simon Duffy. Simon has come forward with the idea of developing an ongoing constitutional convention – a process that will not be a one-off event, but a continuous effort to raise interest and engagement in regional and local government for Yorkshire.
A constitutional convention
Unlike previous failed devolution efforts, the convention will reach out to Yorkshire’s residents from every background by creating a Yorkshire citizens’ assembly, and utilising other consultation activities. Your engagement is not just important, but crucial in the success of this movement. We need your voice, your ideas, and your support.
The convention, set to commence with a coalition of experienced campaigners meeting on Saturday 7 June in Leeds, is not just a plan, but an urgent call to action. Richard Honnoraty, one of the two organisers, emphasised that the government has failed to recognise Yorkshire and has failed to invest in the region adequately for more than 50 years. It now looks as though we are going to get more of the same. This is not good enough. Devolution to an autonomous regional government is the only way to progress. Philip Hardstone, another organiser, echoed this urgency. This represents the dawn of a new era, a firm pledge to people’s sovereignty.
The Power to the People: The Route to English Devolution report from Unlock Democracy and Compass outlines five key proposals for reforming governance in England. These proposals aim to reduce central government power and disperse it more evenly to local communities:
1. Radical devolution: A comprehensive plan for decentralisation, ensuring local leaders and communities have a meaningful role in decision-making.
2. Preventing centralism measures to stop the government from reverting to centralised control, ensuring sustained devolution.
3. Partnership-based governance: reforming governance structures so that decisions are made collaboratively between central and local authorities.
4. Clear democratic framework: establishing a transparent, accountable and coherent system for devolution.
5. Public engagement: encouraging citizen participation in governance to make democracy more responsive to local needs.
Devolution and decentralisation
Similar devolution and decentralisation efforts have been implemented in various countries. Each model has its strengths and challenges, but they all aim to bring decision-making closer to the people.
For example, Germany operates under a federal system where states (Länder) have significant autonomy over education, policing, and taxation. Spain has a decentralised system with autonomous communities like Catalonia and the Basque region, which has its own governments and legislative powers. Canadian provinces have substantial autonomy, particularly in healthcare and education, ensuring that governance reflects local priorities.
It makes one wonder what Westminster and Whitehall are afraid of. Why are they reluctant to give Yorkshire the genuine means and powers to make a difference? Is it pure arrogance that, despite their repeated failures over the decades, they refuse us autonomy over our own affairs, regardless of evidence of success in other countries and regions? Are they afraid of a future where their powers are lessened? These questions demand answers, transparency, and accountability, all of which have been lacking in this process.
Now is the time to act! Yorkshire deserves better, and the gathering in Leeds on the 7 June is the first significant step towards winning absolute autonomy.
