Remote control won’t get us anywhere

Feb 2 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

Newcastle Council leader JOHN SHIPLEY sets out why the North East should be treated as an equal partner in the North

THE North East was built on its natural assets – coal, water, iron ore and its rivers – and has been a distinct region for centuries.

Despite the turmoil of the recession, I believe the North East has a very bright future. We do, after all, have a balance of payments surplus.

We must, though, make the most of our opportunities in renewable energy, and in science, technology and innovation. A lot of critical investment is going on across the region to achieve this.

That’s why our regional development agency, One North East, is so important. Its strategic investment for the long-term in energy and in centres of excellence across the region will prove a vital contribution to our future prosperity.

England has become seriously over-centralised. Devolution to Scotland and Wales has left the North East trailing behind in terms of its regional powers. Edinburgh can secure approval locally to create accelerated development zones but Newcastle must seek Whitehall approval.

The trouble is that too many strategic investment decisions get made or get authorised in London from where the North is perceived all too easily as a single entity. Manchester Airport is not an airport hub for the whole of the North.

Creating a media city in Salford does not automatically mean that the BBC has invested in programmes in the North East. The truth is that we relate to London, Scotland and Europe as much as we do to the rest of the north. Each of the three northern regions has its own identity.

We should work together where there is mutual benefit as we do through The Northern Way on innovation, energy, public research and transport.

We simply must, though, build on our individual strengths and unique assets as a region in our own right.