One Yorkshire to be launched today
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu is celebrating Yorkshire Day today by hosting an event to mark the launch of One Yorkshire, a not for profit organisation.
One Yorkshire’s aim is to bring to fruition the plan backed by 18 Yorkshire Councils for One Yorkshire Devolution with an elected Mayor. The event is being organised by Robert Goodwill MP and John Grogan MP and will bring together councillors, MPs, peers, civic leaders, business people and supporters from across Yorkshire.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Archbishop said: “We must work together to step towards a resolution that maximises the benefit to all parts of Yorkshire. Many Peoples, Boroughs, Councils and Counties, but One Yorkshire.”
Representatives of a wide cross section of people and businesses from across the Yorkshire region will be in attendance.
Leader of Leeds City Council Councillor Judith Blake said: “The chorus of voices in favour of One Yorkshire devolution is growing and it’s time for government to listen and stop holding our county back. Yorkshire politicians from all parties, as well as cross-sector representatives in the TUC, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Institute of Directors (IoD), all recognise what devolution would mean to people in Yorkshire.
“It would help grow the economy, create jobs, and allow more money to be spent on local priorities such as transport, skills and housing, which would improve people’s lives and help spread prosperity and opportunity across our great county.”
One Yorkshire’s priorities will be to:
1) Work closely with the Yorkshire Local Councils on the details and implementation of One Yorkshire Devolution
2) Organise events in Yorkshire and in Parliament to promote the case for Devolution
3) Establish a website, a social media presence and a Press strategy to promote ‘One Yorkshire’
4) Engage with all political parties, business, trade unions, the voluntary sector, faith groups, academia, youth and pensioner groups and civic society.
