Yorkshire must speak with one voice if region is to prosper, says peer

VETERAN business leader Lord Haskins says Yorkshire will continue to be shortchanged by the Government unless the county’s four local enterprise partnerships pool their expertise.
LORD HASKINS: Proposes federation of Local Enterprise Partnerships be set up.LORD HASKINS: Proposes federation of Local Enterprise Partnerships be set up.
LORD HASKINS: Proposes federation of Local Enterprise Partnerships be set up.

Writing exclusively in The Yorkshire Post today, the former Northern Foods boss – and widely-respected chairman of the Hull and Humber LEP – says this region “should envy the capacity of Scotland and Wales to control so much more of their own destinies”.

“I would not suggest a return to regional assemblies,” argues Lord Haskins of Skidby. “Instead, I propose a federation of Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnerships should be created. This body would be large enough to assume substantial responsibility for economic development.

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“If this devolution of power is to be substantial, the Yorkshire and Humber Federation must demonstrate competency and accountability and take a Yorkshire-wide approach. The Government seems prepared to take a piecemeal approach to devolution – Manchester is being singled out for special treatment – so a “Yorkshire” approach should be acceptable.”

The intervention of Lord Haskins follows growing concerns that this region is playing second fiddle to Manchester and the North West which has been given new powers in return for introducing an elected mayor.