Let Northern cities
off leash, alliance of editors demands

Yesterday, editors of The Yorkshire Post, the Northern Echo, the Newcastle Journal and the Manchester Evening News joined together to call on party leaders to outline what they intend to do about giving the northern cities more influence in a devolved England.

The intensity of feeling hardened overnight with mounting anger at the prospect that the funding formula which favours Scotland continues in place.

The region’s newspaper editors have agreed to work with the politicians to ensure that the referendum in Scotland will herald the start of a power shift to the regions.

In a joint statement they said: “This is also a time of enormous opportunity for the North of England. Let us off the leash and we will create wealth and jobs, and help the UK succeed in today’s challenging world.”

​Jeremy Clifford, editor of The Yorkshire Post, said: “The debate over the referendum in Scotland has opened up a much wider call for increased powers for the regions.

“We are joining with newspaper titles across the north to ensure this vitally important part of England does not lose out in the aftermath of the Scotland decision.”

​Newcastle Journal editor Brian Aitken said: “The unprecedented coming together of the great Northern newspaper brands should send a clear message to our politicians that it is vital they make sure the North does not suffer from having an economic powerhouse to the South and a far more competitive Scotland to the north.”

Peter Barron, editor of the Northern Echo, said: “The guarantee of additional powers for Scotland presents particular challenges for the north of England. The Northern Echo is happy to be joining forces with other major regional newspapers to call on party leaders to ensure the north of England is not overshadowed or neglected.”​