MPs back The Journal's Case for the North East campaign

Feb 1 2010 by William Green, The Journal

THE Journal’s Case for the North East campaign has won high profile backing.

Blaydon MP Dave Anderson has tabled a motion in the House of Commons praising our campaign which we launched exactly a week ago to preserve the North East’s regional identity, pride and voice. The motion highlights how we contribute massively to the rest of the UK – not least in terms of adding £41bn to the national economy every year.

And it has been signed by MPs from both inside and outside the region.

The North East is also praised for leading the way on the development of new green industries.

And the Labour MP’s motion “shares The Journal’s view that the country’s leaders need to do more to safeguard this contribution and offer targeted measures to get the most out of its businesses”.

It also “endorses the need for recognition at the highest level that its cultural renaissance and its regional voice should be further developed, supported and strengthened”.

Mr Anderson said: “It is massively important. The truth is that if we don’t stand up for ourselves, no one else will. And we have got a good case to make. The North East is a stronger position than has been. The best way to continue that is by working together.”