Standing up for Yorkshire

THE most tumultuous month in British politics since Margaret Thatcher's downfall 20 years ago came to an end yesterday with the unveiling of the Queen's Speech.

Given that Britain did not have a credible government a fortnight ago, the detail behind this ambitious programme is indicative of the political revolution being brought about by David Cameron and Nick Clegg.

Until now, both men have been able to play for time – and the coalition's unique circumstances – in deflecting answers about the major policy challenges that lie ahead. That luxury is now denied to them as Parliament resumes following the State Opening's pomp and ceremony. It's up to new Ministers to provide the requisite answers and leadership.

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Yet, while the wide-ranging nature of the 22 Bills is intended to improve services and clean up politics, this Government will be, ultimately, judged by its handling of the economy, and the record deficit bequeathed by Labour.

This was highlighted when the Queen said "the first priority is to reduce the deficit and restore economic growth". It is one policy area that does not require primary legislation; this need will, inevitably, underpin every decision taken by Mr Cameron's team.

The challenge for the Government is to bring about the necessary changes to the public services without taxing the nation's wealth-creators out of existence.

So far, Mr Cameron has made visits to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Wales in a bid to improve the Conservatives' relations with the devolved governments. He's also had talks with Boris Johnson, the Tory Mayor of London. Yet he's said very little, thus far, about how his

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administration will benefit the English regions like Yorkshire where hard-working families paid a heavy price for Labour's profligacy, and benevolence towards the Celtic nations.

This needs to change. While his commitment to a leaner and more

efficient government is to be welcomed, it's important for the Government to send out a message that lessons from the Thatcher and Major administrations have been learned, and that every region will matter, and be treated equitably, under Mr Cameron. Yorkshire has been shortchanged on issues like transport and infrastructure investment for too long.

Mr Cameron can do so by stating, in the strongest possible terms, that Yorkshire will not play second fiddle to the North- West when the Government rolls out its high-speed rail plans. It will be a critical test of whether the new administration will govern in Yorkshire's best interests – and it is one that the Prime Minister cannot afford to fail as he looks to assert his authority.