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

Feb 1 2010 by William Green, The Journal

North Lib Dems win party u-turn on agency's future

NORTH East Liberal Democrats have welcomed The Journal’s Case for the North East campaign, stressing the importance of the region working together.

And the regional party appears to have won a battle with Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg who said regional development agencies (RDAs) should be scrapped.

Mr Clegg unveiled cost-cutting plans, including the “cull” of RDA One North East last autumn.

But Frank Hindle, chairman of the North East Lib Dems, and Suzanne Fletcher, president of the party in the region, have now written to The Journal to praise our campaign and say the policy on One North East had been “misunderstood”.

“We believe Regional Development Agencies lack public accountability and Liberal Democrats would reform them to devolve power to local authorities in strategic planning, housing and transport.

“But we would continue to focus support regionally on regeneration and innovation to deliver focused investment to generate long-term jobs in new industries.

“Our economic spokesperson Vince Cable MP has confirmed that whilst it may not be necessary to have RDAs in all regions, there is no ‘one size fits all approach’.

“In regions such as the North East where there is a clear purpose for the RDA and its role is supported by the business community and local authorities, the RDA should be retained but with greater regional accountability, and with a remit to work in partnership with all stakeholders in the regional economy.”

Making the case: What the region's leaders say about the campaign

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Journal’s campaign makes an excellent Case for the North East as a unique region that must retain its focus on strategic economic development at a scale where we have the critical mass.”

David Clelland, Labour MP for Tyne Bridge, said: “In the North East we are trying to work together to improve the area’s prospects for the future and anything that helps that is welcome.”

Jeff Reid, Liberal Democrat leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “We are one of the few regions that does have a regional identity. The rest of them are just a loose collection of councils. The only way we are going to get out of the trouble we are in is by having proper businesses making things and the only way we are going to do that is that sticking together as a region.”

Sir Alan Beith, Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick, said: “I welcome and back the Journal’s campaign. Scotland, Wales and London all benefit from having powers to make things different and a voice through their elected assemblies. The North East has so much to offer and so much to be proud of but we need campaigns like the Journal’s to make sure we are heard.”

Catherine McKinnell, Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for Newcastle North, said: “I have always and will always champion this region, with its unique heritage and immense potential. The North East needs a strong united voice, which we currently have in One North East.”

Peter Jackson, Conservative group leader on Northumberland County Council, said: “There is a very strong case to make for the North East. We have quite a lot of particular needs to be addressed.”

Sir Jeremy Beecham, a senior Labour councillor in Newcastle, said: “The messages are essentially right. I don’t think we should be too defensive about the position of the region or minimise the changes that have already taken place, which have been beneficial and positioned us pretty well for the eventual recovery.”

John Shipley, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “The North East has a distinct identity and cannot be treated as just part of a broader North. When you compare the opportunities north of the border, it is very important that the Government works out a proper policy for English regions.”

Ronnie Campbell, Labour MP for Blyth Valley, said: “The North East has a brilliant case to make and well done to The Journal for doing it because we have got something to offer.”