MPs band together for region

Jointly chaired by Conservative and Labour MPs from East and West Yorkshire, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire aims to be a “champion” for the region and has pledged to push for “practical steps” that will “unlock growth”.

The group’s primary focus will be on promoting green energy – seen as Yorkshire’s largest potential growth industry over the coming years – tourism, and improving transport infrastructure through schemes such as high-speed rail and the Northern Hub.

Co-chairman Andrew Percy, the Tory MP for Brig and Goole, said: “Yorkshire needs a strong voice at the centre of Parliament. This initiative will help promote Yorkshire as a great destination for both business and tourists.

“With the help of our supporters in industry and local government, the group will work hard to help secure the investment we need to make it an even better place for those who live and work here.”

Future work for the group will focus on the region’s finance and manufacturing sectors.

Fellow co-chairman Barry Sheerman, the Labour MP for Huddersfield, said: “This group is a very important step in the development of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire as the centre for business and economic growth.”