The Yorkshire Post says: Another day '“ and another snub '“ as Ministers refuse to budge over One Yorkshire

He said in response to Keighley MP John Grogan that the Government would consider any proposal where there was a clear plan for “a clearly defined economic geography” and also economic growth.

Tom Richmond: The Government’s Northern Powerhouse strategy has gone off the rails – and the Budget proves it

First the geography. Eighteen out of 20 councils back countywide devolution. Even though Sheffield and Rotherham don’t, South Yorkshire’s mayor is on board – and a community poll held in Barnsley and Doncaster showed a groundswell of public support.

Top Minister yet to meet South Yorkshire leaders to broker devolution deal

Now growth. New research shows that devolution could be worth up to £30bn a year to Yorkshire if the county’s exports – and business opportunities – become comparable to the rest of the country. With senior business leaders backing One Yorkshire, the Government should be striving to harness this county’s ambitions, and unity, rather demanding the full implementation of Sheffield City Region’s devolution arrangements before returning to the issue.

Once again, Mr Jenrick’s low-key response, on behalf of Chancellor Philip Hammond, was another missed opportunity towards the end of a difficult political year which, for many, will be defined by the continuing chaos on region’s railways and indifference towards the Northern Powerhouse agenda.

When the relevant Cabinet minister – James Brokenshire – has still to visit Yorkshire more than six months after his appointment, this snub, coupled with Mr Jenrick’s unhelpful response, shows that the blame for this impasse clearly rests with an intransigent Government at odds with the county’s political, business and civic leaders. That will not do.