PM: I’ll maximise power of the North – just like railways did 200 years ago
BORIS Johnson will today pledge a new wave of devolution for the North designed to do for the economy ‘what the railways did two centuries ago’.
The Prime Minister will repeat his determination to ‘level up’ economic opportunities across the country by investing in infrastructure and devolving more power from London.
In a speech to local business leaders and politicians in South Yorkshire, he will say: ‘It is time that we gave more people a say over the places where they live, and it is time that we gave you the proper ability to run things your way.
‘We are going to maximise the power of the North. And we are going to make sure that it is people here who are in control over the things that matter to them.’ Government sources said the range of powers to be devolved was under review, but it could include greater control over priorities such as transport and housing.
Mr Johnson will commit to funding a ‘city deal’ for Sheffield designed to boost its productivity through investment in education, training and infrastructure. He will offer to open talks on similar funding for Leeds and West Yorkshire.
The PM will also restate his commitment to improving transport infrastructure, which critics complain has lacked the investment seen in the capital.
He will say: ‘If we succeed in levelling up opportunity across our country, and if we truly put the power in your hands, then I believe you will do for the North – and for our whole country – what the railways did two centuries ago.’
Mr Johnson is under pressure to axe the HS2 high speed rail link with the North after it emerged it is running up to £32billion over budget – and seven years late.
His intervention comes hours after Northern politicians made a call for more help for the regions. Mayors and leaders from Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds and Sheffield are meeting for the Convention of the North in Rotherham.
Manchester mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram said five areas, mainly based on transport, are priorities for the North.
In a joint article in The Times, they said: ‘The crisis over Brexit makes this a make or break moment for Northern devolution. “Take Back Control” may have been directed at Brussels during the referendum campaign but the reality is many people were also sending the same message to Westminster. Whilst central government has been stuck in the Brexit mire, we have used devolution to deliver for our local communities on the things that matter to them.’