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Regional Assemblies could bring "massive benefits"
June 17, 2003 12:00 AM
Voters in three regions of northern England will have the opportunity to vote for greater control and massive local benefits when they decide next year whether to elect regional parliaments according to Diana Wallis, MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Leader of the Liberal Democrats in the European Parliament strongly welcomed today's announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister that the people of Yorkshire and the Humber, the North East, and the North West will vote in referendums on regional assemblies.
"Elected and fully accountable regional government will take local decision-making away from the control of obscure Whitehall agencies and bring it back to where it belongs.
"These regions are more than ready for devolution and people will now have the opportunity to vote in favour of economic regeneration and a system that will attract money to their area.
"John Prescott should be congratulated on this decision. I hope that this will trigger a substantial debate that will allow voters to be fully informed and to make the best possible decision for their region when they go to the polls next year.
"It is high-time these referendums took place. The Conservatives are risking accusations of hypocrisy by being so opposed to this decision at the same time as baying for a vote on the draft European constitution.
"People should have the right to decide how their interests are best represented, whether it be in Yorkshire or Brussels."
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