Regional government

Obviously, it is for The Northern Echo to determine its editorial position on the question of greater autonomy for the North and I am mindful of your past support in 2004 for a “Yes” vote in the last regional referendum.

However, the themes and arguments advanced by the Yes campaign at that time remain.

Indeed, they have been immeasurably strengthened by the advent of a Government that has made a priority of dismantling what powers we had that had been devolved from Whitehall – most notably the scrapping of One NorthEast and the abolition of the Government’s regional office.

But the real elephant in the room is north of Hadrian’s Wall.

I don’t know what will be the referendum result when it is held, although for what it is worth, I would want a continued Union, as Scotland, from the Scottish enlightenment onwards, has been the fountainhead of civilization and learning in the British Isles. But what is certain is that even a “No” vote will not stop the creation of a renewed settlement which will see Scotland with new powers and responsibilities. That will impact negatively on the North-East and the wider Northern region.

Simply to meet such developments head on, to repatriate lost powers from Whitehall back to our region, and to right the destruction of local and regional institutions that have occurred and will only intensify up to the next General Election, the regional debate has to be resurrected.

Sure, issues such as boundaries, powers and relationships with local authorities do have to be thrashed out, but to use these as obstacles to stop any debate whatsoever are of no help to our region, our communities and our people.

I would hope The Northern Echo, mindful of its great history of speaking for the region, could reflect on these matters.

David Walsh, Skelton.