On Wednesday 16 October EPRC hosted a presentation by Arianna Giovannini from Leeds Metropolitan University, on the subject of regional devolution in England.
Focussing on the 2004 attempt to set up directly elected regional assemblies in the North East, North West and Yorkshire & Humberside, the seminar offered an analysis of the reasons for its failure as well as lessons regarding the wider issue of regional devolution in the UK. The importance of grassroots-supported regional representation in favour of devolution, and effective lobbying at the level of central government, were concluded to be particularly important in the case study context.
Wider lessons discussed include the need to articulate clear and tangible benefits to regional populations if devolution referenda are to gain popular support.