Top Tory to spell out northern way

Feb 4 2010 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

THE North East’s contribution to the nation’s wealth will come under focus this month.

Economists, business leaders and key politicians are heading to the region in a serious of events organised by the North East Economic Forum.

First up will be shadow business secretary Ken Clarke, who will be giving his views on the regional economy this Friday.

The Conservative MP will be joined by Forum chairman Hugh Morgan Williams and Science and Industry Council chairman Bob Coxon at the Grand Hotel in Tynemouth.

Also at the event will be Margaret Fay, chairman of the under-threat regional development agency One North East, as Mr Clarke clarifies the Tories’ policy on quangos and regeneration groups.

His visit comes as The Journal continues its campaign highlighting the risks of changing the regional landscape.

Our Case for the North East has set out how the region’s economy can play a much bigger role in the Government’s growth plans in the coming decade, but only if the region’s united approach is not watered down.

Former Chancellor Mr Clarke appeared last week to suggest he would favour preserving some sort of regional structure.