Nodding dogs, MPs must be independent-minded

This is borne out buy those backbenchers who intend to pressurise the Government, and others, over those long-overdue transport schemes that have been delayed, yet again, following round one of the budget cuts.

Everyone accepts that difficult decisions will have to be taken. That is not in doubt. What is questionable, however, is the criteria that has been used – and the failure of Ministers, and officials, fully to consider the economic advantages of schemes like the proposed Beverley bypass, or other road improvements from the Humber Bridge to the East Riding town.

Equally, the decision to halt proposed improvements in Leeds is perverse. When in opposition, the Tories stated, repeatedly, that "doing nothing" was not an

option – even when the country was mired in recession. Yet this is, effectively, the solution offered by Ministers.

Given the continuing concerns that the same level of financial pressures are not being placed upon London because of the 2012 Olympics and Mayoral election, it is even more important that MPs from all parties speak up for Yorkshire. The nodding

dog acquiescence of the

New Labour years will no longer suffice.