North East could link with Scotland to boost economy

Mar 11 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

SCOTTISH ministers could be forced to consider the impact of their work on the North East economy under a series of new proposals.

A report also urges a closer link-up between the region and north of the border, with investment in energy, tourism and transport seen as a way of boosting the recession-hit economies of both.

The Northern Way, which has the responsibility of boosting the economy for the whole of the North, has told experts looking at the effects of devolution there should be a legal obligation for Scottish MPs to “reflect” economic masterplans in place across the border.

This could mean combining resources on areas such as off-shore wind, oil, energy and high speed rail.

Last night politicians and business leaders said the region had effectively been forced to build closer links with Scotland after London-based Government officers repeatedly overlooked the needs of the North.

Before entering recession, the rising strength of the Scottish economy had already led to planners at Northumberland County Council admitting they were increasingly looking at improved jobs links with Edinburgh as well as the more traditional employment opportunities available in Newcastle.

North East minister Nick Brown has previously led a delegation of the region’s top civil servants across the border to fight for closer co-operation between transport bosses of either side.

Northumberland County Council leader Jeff Reid said the region had a lot to gain by looking to Scotland for help.

He said: “If you look at the A1, what we need is an economic highway that links not just Tyneside, but industry in Teesside with Edinburgh and up to Aberdeen.

“We are already in talks with the Scottish authorities about this and it obviously would help if ministers in Scotland had to ring us up and run ideas past us. There are a lot of similarities between us, there are businesses in Blyth servicing oil companies in Scotland and there is the potential here to work together during difficult times and create jobs.”