John Prescott: The north needs a regional devolved authority covering the whole area if the dream of a Northern Powerhouse is to be achieved

A strategic plan is desperately needed to deliver investment and enable the north to stand on its own two feet

(Getty)

We’ve entered a new era of debate on devolution. You will not be surprised to hear that it’s a debate I relish.

I was invited to a conference in Sheffield recently to deliver a speech on the importance of northern devolution. In attendance were local authorities, charities, think tanks and business. A collective voice is an effective voice and I believe such co-operation is vital for a prosperous future North.

However, it’s not only different sectors who need to co-operate, it’s also different towns and cities. From Liverpool right through to Hull and Newcastle. The north carries huge economic potential and we need a credible plan to realise this.

Unfortunately the Government only has a concept for the north at present. The Northern Powerhouse, as it is known, talks a big game but I’m a firm believer in actions speaking louder than words.

When I was Deputy Prime Minister, I launched the Northern Way.

My plan was for effective collaboration between councils in the North West, North East and Yorkshire. This would reduce the gap in economic output between the north and the rest of the country.

The Northern Way would stretch across the Pennines from the ports of Liverpool, Hull and the Humber up to Teesside. It would create a corridor of growth that would not only connect major northern cities but also link up Liverpool’s Atlantic gateway to Hull and Teesside’s access to Europe.

However, it was one of many short-sighted cuts introduced by the incoming Tory-led Government in 2010. This is despite studies showing that it could have boosted the northern economy by £23billion a year.

Osborne soon realised he’d made a mistake and has since attempted to re-package the policy as the Northern Powerhouse.

Whatever you want to call it, a strategic plan is desperately needed to deliver investment and enable the north to stand on its own two feet.

The recent announcement to un-pause the proposed electrification of the Transpennine and Midland Mainline railways was vital. However, this investment pails into insignificance when compared with the capital’s Crossrail projects. Whilst London ploughs ahead, the north is playing catch-up.

For example, a proper plan would see the Government deciding to build HS2 starting from the north. They could also utilise northern steel for the project, preventing lost steel jobs and skills.

Sadly this isn’t happening. One of the reasons for the north’s inability to strategically plan ahead, compared with London, is its lack of power. The capital has its own devolved authority with an elected Mayor shouting loud for London. The north has a hotchpotch of local councils, elected Mayors, city regions and combined authorities. Too many voices lack clarity. No wonder the north doesn’t get the best deal.

The north fails to punch its weight because it lacks one strong voice and an authority that puts the north first.

Even now, devolution is being pushed on the north by Government and it is not coherent. For instance, the new Transport for the north doesn’t even cover all of the north.

For growth to spread across the north, Councils need to work together not against each other, especially when it comes to strategic planning and improving transport.

The North East, North West and Yorkshire and the Humber have 15 million people – three times as many as Scotland – with an economy worth more than £200billion a year.

So let’s have a body that sees all three areas working together as a super region – The North – on economic development, housing and transport. Just like they’ve been doing in London for nearly 15 years.

With the right powers, the north can focus on securing vital investment in infrastructure to prepare for a stronger future where thousands of workers could be travelling swiftly between northern cities to use their skills; where cargo destined for Europe would be unloaded in Liverpool from ocean-going liners and driven to Hull, then packed into waiting ferries headed to Rotterdam.

These are the conditions in which business and enterprise can thrive; as devolved powers like London well know.

With the right infrastructure and powers in place, the north can continue preparing for the future, rather than fighting to catch-up.

To achieve this, the north needs to pull together and make itself heard. There are some positive signs that this is happening already.

For example, in February next year I will be speaking at a conference organised by two entrepreneurs based in Leeds who seek to create a regular forum for northern businesses and local authorities to connect, share ideas, and attract investment.

The UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition in Manchester will be one of the first events of its kind; with private and public sectors working together, not because they’ve been told to by Government but, because they want to collectively shape a stronger north.

The north pioneered co-operation and we need to remember that. I therefore look forward to hearing northern businesses standing alongside us politicians, and other interested parties, in shouting loud and lobbying for stronger powers and investment for the north.

Lord Prescott was the Deputy Prime Minister between 1997 and 2007 and represented Hull East as a Member of Parliament from 1970 to 2010. He will be a keynote speaker at the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition which takes place at Manchester Central on 25th and 26th February 2016.