York, August 5, 2024 — The call for a Yorkshire-wide referendum on devolution has gained significant traction following a major conference in York. The Yorkshire Society’s Great Debate staged at the Yorkshire Museum on the eve of Yorkshire Day, has reignited discussions about granting the region greater autonomy, including tax-raising powers.
The event, part of a grassroots campaign, featured a range of opinions from prominent figures advocating for a regional assembly with enhanced powers. Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate, the event’s chair and a former Member of the European Parliament for Yorkshire and the Humber, argued that Yorkshire’s size and economic potential warrant its devolved governance. “With the region’s size being equivalent to that of Scotland and a mixed economy that was very developable, Yorkshire should be allowed to have devolved governance,” Lord Kirkhope said.
Sir Stephen Houghton, leader of Barnsley Council, expressed concerns about the representation of smaller regions in the broader UK devolution discussions. He remarked, “It would be interesting to see how the mayor of South Yorkshire with four authorities works against the Scottish Government with all the issues that it’s got. Some people might argue that’s better at a Yorkshire level rather than a sub-regional level.”
The conference also featured contributions from notable figures such as Ben Crick, conductor of the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, who emphasized the role of culture in shaping regional identity. “Culture could play a critical role in energizing and activating residents,” Crick noted.
Rachael Bice, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, highlighted the potential environmental benefits of devolution. “The devolution agenda has exciting and essential opportunities for climate and nature,” Bice stated.
Dr Stewart Arnold from the University of Hull advocated for focusing on economic benefits rather than regional identity. “A compelling argument for raising Yorkshire’s GDP per capita to the national average, implementing meaningful infrastructure projects, and attracting investment and students from across the world is that it could only be done on a Yorkshire-wide level,” Dr Arnold said. He warned, however, that Yorkshire’s size could pose a challenge to Westminster, cautioning that “serious economic growth will not come on the back of relatively small devolved units with limited powers and very modest budgets.”
The debate follows campaigners commemorating the 50th anniversary of the abolition of the historic Ridings of Yorkshire in April. The movement seeks to push for “real devolution” for the 4,596-square-mile region following the Government’s rejection of the One Yorkshire devolution bid over five years ago.
Organizers of the Great Debate have announced plans to present the outcomes of the discussion to the Government and elected Yorkshire mayors in the hope of advancing the devolution agenda.
