YP Comment: New era as Theresa May takes over

Her premiership will be defined by her handling of the aftermath of Britain’s vote to leave the EU. She will stand or fall according to the course she sets for the future and the deals she can strike on both trade and immigration.

Yet there is nothing to guide her, no precedent, no country to look to which has previously left the EU, no state from which to learn the pitfalls to be avoided. Mrs May has not only to be a premier. She has to be a pioneer.

Although it is the seismic upheaval of the Brexit vote that set Mrs May on the road to Downing Street, and is bound to dominate the domestic political agenda for the foreseeable future, the remainder of her in-tray is formidably full.

Challenges await on all fronts, domestically, internationally and politically. Regionally, too, since Yorkshire will want to see a closing of the north-south divide so wide under David Cameron, and practical steps taken by Mrs May to help this region fulfil its great economic potential.

Her first real test will come next Monday, with the vote on renewing the Trident nuclear deterrent. The slimness of her Tory majority in the Commons will be brought home to Mrs May with a vengeance given opposition to the measure by the SNP and elements of Labour, and winning the vote is far from a foregone conclusion.

Opposition from the SNP is bound to focus her mind on another looming crisis – its likely clamour for independence after Scotland voted overwhelmingly to remain in the EU. She will no more wish to preside over the dismantling of the United Kingdom than her predecessor.

Yorkshire has high expectations of Mrs May, and looks to her to make good on a series of issues which, if handled correctly, can produce great benefits not only for our region, but for Britain as a whole.

The Northern Powerhouse should be a priority for her. The previous administration was long on warm words but short on hard cash, and if Mrs May’s pledge to close the chasm between London and the rest of the country is not to ring hollow, she must provide the practical support to let the North’s great cities unlock their combined strength.

As part of that, the region’s creaking transport network needs urgent action from the Government. There must be clarity on HS2 and a firm commitment to fast trans-Pennine rail.

Mrs May’s reputation 
for pragmatism should 
lead her to the conclusion that supporting such initiatives, and pressing on with devolution, is in the national interest, with investment being repaid many times over.

Yorkshire has the capability to be a powerful engine of the economy, creating thousands of jobs, some of them in new areas such as fracking and green energy, where the Government needs to tread carefully and listen to local concerns.

In all this, Mrs May must perform a delicate balancing act if she is to chart a successful course through what are unquestionably uncharted waters.

She comes to office not only because of Brexit, but because of the manifesto on which the Conservatives fought and won a decisive general election only 14 months ago.

The results in this region’s marginal seats played a key role in that. Mrs May has a duty to explain both how she intends to deliver on that manifesto, and how her new era will be a bright one for Yorkshire.

Tour de Grub - foot trail can boost tourism

FUNDING for food-themed tourist trails deserves a warm welcome, because it plays to two of Yorkshire’s great strengths.

Our region produces some of the finest food and drink anywhere in Britain, and over the past few years we have become of the most vigorous and effective areas of the country at attracting tourists.

Bringing them here to enjoy our glorious produce adds another valuable facet to our burgeoning tourist industry, and also taps into the growing appetite for locally-produced food.

Increasing numbers of artisan producers and thriving farm shops across Yorkshire attest to the enthusiasm of consumers for food and drink that is produced not only with love and care, but to the highest standards of welfare and traceability.

We would be delighted to share the best of our produce with visitors, and in doing so lead them on a trail of discovery about Yorkshire itself.

Whether it be showing off the beauty of Wensleydale and its cheese, or the unique Rhubarb Triangle around Wakefield, a journey of discovery awaits that is both good for Yorkshire’s economy and whets the appetite of visitors to come back for a second helping.