THE people of Scotland have spoken and we welcome their rejection of independence.

But there can be no doubt that the referendum has been the catalyst for a significant change across the United Kingdom.

Our complacent political leaders have been left in no doubt that they cannot continue with an outdated system of Government which leaves large parts of the UK feeling disenfranchised.

Irrespective of the referendum verdict, Scotland has been emboldened by the guarantee of extra powers and the knock-on effect had already begun before the votes had been counted.

The case to devolve more decision-making away from Westminster and into the English regions has been galvanised, and David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have pledged that a shift of power needs to take place.

By coming together behind a united call for the north to be given a greater say in its own affairs, The Northern Echo and other key northern newspaper titles – The Journal and The Chronicle in Newcastle, The Yorkshire Post, the Manchester Evening News and the Evening Gazette on Teesside – have achieved their first objective. The unprecedented move by the regional press captured national attention and the voice of the north was clearly heard.

This initiative must, of course, be more than words. It must turn into meaningful actions which deliver real improvements to the lives of people in the north of England.

They must be made to feel that the way they are governed is relevant, with more decisions being taken in the areas where they live, by people who understand their needs.

The newspaper titles of the north have agreed to continue collaborating on how that change should be delivered.

Our aim is to ensure there are no empty promises.