Pulling together

Yorkshire’s economic prospects

IF THERESA May’s Tories are to make great electoral inroads across the North – and in those inner city communities where there has been little or no Conservative representation for a generation – much will rest on the success, or otherwise, of the muchvaunted Industrial Strategy.

Like George Osborne’s Northern Powerhouse, its economic and political principles could not be more sound – namely a desire to spread the wealth, and prosperity, of the nation to all regions so the whole country’s financial fortunes are less dependent on London’s fortunes.

Yet, while Labour is simply relying upon the enduring goodwill of working class voters because Jeremy Corbyn’s policy agenda is bereft of economic credibility, it’s perturbing that half of South Yorkshire businesses are uncertain about the Industrial Strategy’s intentions – and how it could help their workforce.

Despite Business Secretary Greg Clark coming from Middlesbrough, and being well-respected because of his previous dealings with local councils, this survey suggests that the next Government will need to build more meaningful relationships with the private sector.

The opportunities are significant as Britain prepares to leave the EU – the IPPR North thinktank notes that the region’s £300bn economy outstrips the whole of Belgium – but Yorkshire will only fulfil its potential if economic growth is viewed as a partnership between the Government and industry.

However it’s not just a matter for 10 Downing Street. With metro-mayors now elected in rival regions, Yorkshire’s politicians need to reconcile their devolution differences. The longer they procrastinate, the harder it will be to forge a meaningful partnership between the public and private sectors that changes lives for the better.