North West England

[Funky Monk]

Ive been watching local news recenlty and i saw an article about 'two jags' doing a tour. Apparently he is canvasing opinion on the possibility of a regional assembally in the North West of England, apparently with a referendum next year.


Although i would be delighted to hear from those effected by this i want to hear any opinions or further info about this, is it national?

So, would you like to see a regional assembally in the North-West, apparently and extra cost of £25 mill a year but it could be relaly important for the need of Northen people.

Rightio.

[Misodoctakleidist]

I'm from the NW and people are pretty disillousioned with the government and i often hear comment that they dont know anything exists outside london. The idea of a NW regional parliment doesn't sound very practicle though, i dont see what they could really do to change things. There's been talk of it for years but i suspect its probably an attempt to whip up support for labour by siezing on local opinions.

[toastedmonkey]

im also from the north west, i also hear people sayin that, i also have heard talk of it for years, and i also think its unpraticle aswell

[RedAnarchist]

I'm also from the North-West (preston) and i dont think the regional assembly will change anything or do anything

[Socialsmo o Muerte]

Misodoctakleidist is completely right. This is just to get some support for new Labour.

And ifo ne were to be brought to existence, it would be purely to relive some of the work that the government has to do. Like you correctly suggested, the government doesn't know what to do outside of London and the affluent south. It would also allow the government to point the finger at someone else (i.e. the new assembly) when the people of the NW show discontent.

[James]

This is a test case. If it works here, then we shall see the UK become a devolved federal kingdom.

I personally see it as a good thing, as i see scotish devolution as a good thing.

The north west is very different to central london.

One last point - it is being spear headed by Prescot. If thats not a labour stamp of approval, i don't know what is. If you want to know more, get in contact with labour and they shall send you loads of stuff.
A few weeks ago they sent me a questionaire. See if you can get one.

Peace.

[Funky Monk]

Oh yes, the mighty Prescott, figurehead of the party.


But i couldnt agree more, sure a regional assembly is not going to make too much difference at a national level but could be hugely important locally.
Lets look at the positives here

More accountable representatives
Greater alleigence to Constituency as opposed to party from MPs.
Greater regional funding.
Less time spent in London for MPs.
Specific policies to suit the need of locals.
And most importantly a greater incentive for young people to get involved in politics.

[Invader Zim]

Originally posted by [email protected] 5 2003, 10:59 PM
This is a test case. If it works here, then we shall see the UK become a devolved federal kingdom.

I personally see it as a good thing, as i see scotish devolution as a good thing.

The north west is very different to central london.

One last point - it is being spear headed by Prescot. If thats not a labour stamp of approval, i don't know what is. If you want to know more, get in contact with labour and they shall send you loads of stuff.
A few weeks ago they sent me a questionaire. See if you can get one.

Peace.
For starters, nice to see you again mate, its been a while.

But I disagree, their is no point to splitting Britain up, all it will do will increase the tencions which already exist.

Also the North is generally poorer than the south, this would be economically damaging for everyone involved.

On Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland I do believe that devolution is the way forward, how can realistic decisions be made by English, Wealsh, etc Mp's on issue's unique to Scotland? And vice versa.

[James]

hey, how you doing?
Also why am i know longer in the commie club?!?!? lol

their is no point to splitting Britain up, all it will do will increase the tencions which already exist.

Possbibly there are tensions because the north feels like the enslaved. Look at the way brits in general view the EU pmt.

Maybe giving those here, more control over what happens here, would reduce tensions.

Tensions need circumstance to arise. If we could rule our selfs on domestic issues - what would be the need for tensions? Tension comes from the negative circumstance - lack of control over what happens to us. A shite policy drawn up in london creates more tension than a similar policy made in lancs.

Secondly; maybe we need a difference. Sometimes a seperate identity is good. Cornwall for example - they had their own laguage till 100 years ago. They have their own flag.

Lets have some local regional pride.

The central gov can't cater for all.

o the North is generally poorer than the south, this would be economically damaging for everyone involved.

This itself is a reason for regional assemblies.

Regional pmt's would creat a pressure group on central gov; forcing for investment. At the moment, why would central gov want to invest in the north alone? They have to invest in all the land in detail.
Give the north the power to plan, and more popular, pratical and detailed plans would arise.


Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland I do believe that devolution is the way forward, how can realistic decisions be made by English, Wealsh, etc Mp's on issue's unique to Scotland? And vice versa.

Aye. My point.

How can london MPs know whats best for Manchester? Or Lancaster? etc etc

[James]

monky; didn't see ur reply.

Aye, those points are perfect!!!

On prescot; he is deputy PM... and come on, lets face it - if the Dep has been given the go ahead on such a corse- we can only conclude some concession from the central gov that granted devolution on several counts previsouly.

I'm 100% in favour.

Why not anyway? Its only a test - if it works; GREAT! If not; so what? at least there was an attempt.

[Kez]

i dont think this is a progressive move for our movement. Its gonna diffuse power, making it harder for us

[James]

Trotsky favoured "home rule".

It makes sense. How can movements compete on a national scale?

If it is possible for a national leftist movement - then it should be possible for a north west leftist movement (unless they are all right wingers - in which case a leftist "revolution" would be a form of dictatoship to them). It is easier to gain one local area than several.

Simple logic.

[Kez]

By doing this you divide the workers making them weaker