Policy Press
Fifteen Conclusion: prospects for regionalism
-
John Adams
Abstract
The aim of this book has been to cast a spotlight over the current state of regionalism in England. This inevitably presents only a snapshot of an evolving situation. The varied contributions in the book, however, make clear that the pattern of regionalism is highly uneven. At the same time, there are forces at play that are likely to ensure that regionalism remains a part of the political scene in England. In fact, by mid-2002, there was evidence that the interest of the English in regionalism was starting to grow. Indeed, a poll commissioned by the BBC in March 2002 showed growing support for regional government across England. Nearly two thirds of the population (63%) were in favour of elected regional assemblies, with support even higher in the four regions of the West Midlands (73%), the North East (72%), North West (72%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (72%). Least support was found in the South East (49%) and the Eastern region (55%). Support for devolved government comes from the belief that it will provide regions with a stronger voice in Westminster and Brussels (72%), help economic development in the regions (64%), bring government closer to the people (60%) and increase pride in people’s areas (58%).
The debate about English regionalism, awareness of regional diversity and understanding of the government’s proposals for strengthened regional governance were only just emerging as the 2002 White Paper was published. This book is a contribution to this important ensuing debate.
By far the most important source of future dynamism in the politics of regionalism is likely to be the attitude of central government to devolution within England.
Abstract
The aim of this book has been to cast a spotlight over the current state of regionalism in England. This inevitably presents only a snapshot of an evolving situation. The varied contributions in the book, however, make clear that the pattern of regionalism is highly uneven. At the same time, there are forces at play that are likely to ensure that regionalism remains a part of the political scene in England. In fact, by mid-2002, there was evidence that the interest of the English in regionalism was starting to grow. Indeed, a poll commissioned by the BBC in March 2002 showed growing support for regional government across England. Nearly two thirds of the population (63%) were in favour of elected regional assemblies, with support even higher in the four regions of the West Midlands (73%), the North East (72%), North West (72%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (72%). Least support was found in the South East (49%) and the Eastern region (55%). Support for devolved government comes from the belief that it will provide regions with a stronger voice in Westminster and Brussels (72%), help economic development in the regions (64%), bring government closer to the people (60%) and increase pride in people’s areas (58%).
The debate about English regionalism, awareness of regional diversity and understanding of the government’s proposals for strengthened regional governance were only just emerging as the 2002 White Paper was published. This book is a contribution to this important ensuing debate.
By far the most important source of future dynamism in the politics of regionalism is likely to be the attitude of central government to devolution within England.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of tables and figures v
- Acknowledgements vii
- List of contributors ix
- Introduction 1
- Regional government in England: reviewing the evidence base 11
- New Labour and the evolution of regionalism in England 25
- Yorkshire (and the Humber) 45
- Institutional collaboration in the West Midlands region 63
- England’s North West 81
- The South West 95
- Regionalism in the East of England 109
- The South East region? 125
- Regionalism in North East England 137
- Regional strategy development in the East Midlands 147
- The problem of regional governance 159
- Elected regional government: the issues 173
- Barnett plus needs: the regional spending challenge in Britain 187
- Conclusion: prospects for regionalism 207
- Index 219
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Contents iii
- List of tables and figures v
- Acknowledgements vii
- List of contributors ix
- Introduction 1
- Regional government in England: reviewing the evidence base 11
- New Labour and the evolution of regionalism in England 25
- Yorkshire (and the Humber) 45
- Institutional collaboration in the West Midlands region 63
- England’s North West 81
- The South West 95
- Regionalism in the East of England 109
- The South East region? 125
- Regionalism in North East England 137
- Regional strategy development in the East Midlands 147
- The problem of regional governance 159
- Elected regional government: the issues 173
- Barnett plus needs: the regional spending challenge in Britain 187
- Conclusion: prospects for regionalism 207
- Index 219
