An article about the launch of True North and why it’s necessary by our Chairman John Stevenson. Read the Northern Agenda newsletter here.
The True North has been neglected for too long – it’s time for a Northern renaissance
John Stevenson, Chair of the True North think-tank
’Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads’ was a wonderful comedy that captured a feeling for the North East at a particular time. I do begin to wonder if “Whatever happened to the Northern political agenda” is in danger of becoming today’s story!
Successive governments of different political persuasions have stated that a key part of their agenda is to revive the Northern economy and close the gap between the North and the South.
There have been many policy initiatives – Regional Development Agencies, Local Enterprise Partnerships, the Northern Powerhouse and of course, more recently, the Levelling Up agenda.
All with their merits and all, if we are honest, failing to get anywhere near closing the economic, health and educational gaps between regions.
The truth is that whatever the merits of the past policies the reality is we require policies and a programme which will last 15 to 20 years and beyond.
But it needs to be a programme which will survive several elections, withstand changes of government of different political colour and avoid individual personalities trying to hijack or fundamentally change the narrative. Only then will there truly be a Northern renaissance.
I give a couple of examples of success and failure. Take the Elizabeth Line in London and the South East. A rail project that has taken 20 years and £18 billion of investment. Without a doubt a huge success and something that will ensure that the London economy continues to flourish and grow.
Where is our Northern equivalent? Our Charles Line? Our £18 billion investment? A rail line that would cover a similar distance to the Elizabeth line which would connect Liverpool to Hull totally transforming connectivity across the region. And this is but one example.
Where there has been a success and demonstrates what can be achieved is in my home city of Carlisle. Back in 2016 the city received the green light for a southern bypass which effectively completes a ring road round the city.
It has survived three General Elections and a change of government, costs £220 million and will be completed later this year. A demonstration of what can be achieved but, sadly, this is the exception rather than the norm.
So, the North has challenges but the North itself is not homogenous. There are different parts to it with their own strengths and weaknesses. Come to a part of the North which I have often called the True North, namely the North East and Cumbria, you discover an area which is often overlooked or just ignored by policymakers in Whitehall.
The A1 upgrade in Northumberland
A part of the North which often feels as an afterthought even within Northern discussions. Whatever happened to the A1 upgrade (pictured above) or the A66 or A69? Where are the real rail investments to improve connectivity within the area as well as beyond? And what of skills, business, investment and economic growth?
This brings me to my involvement with a new think-tank. Following the election a group of us believed that it is important that there is a focus on policy initiatives for what we like to call the True North.
Of course, the Mayors, councils, MPs and other organisations have a huge role to play but there is also room for fresh policy thinking as well.
And those policy ideas must not be solely from one side of the political divide. The goal is to reach into the common ground so that there can be that consistent and enduring policy agenda which will bring about the renaissance which we all want to see.
It is acknowledged that educational, health and economic outcomes and performance are considerably behind the South and many other parts of the UK.
But the region does also have huge strengths which if harnessed properly could lead to a substantial improvement for the area and those who live and work here. Consistent policy from Government combined with a steady flow of real investment would help transform the region.
One policy area where there are real opportunities is around devolution. Devolution, particularly the idea of mayors and combined authorities started under the last Conservative government but looks as if the new Labour government will build on that start and develop it. This opens real opportunities and benefits which could be transformational.
Another initiative which should have support is around an Industrial Strategy particularly one that is relevant to the region. Again, if it can gain wide support that would be welcome and beneficial.
The ultimate challenge is to secure a steady stream of taxpayer funding for projects which will improve the economic performance of the region which in turn will attract the private sector to invest.
This does not mean handouts but investment which as I have already mentioned helped transform parts of London and which could do exactly the same for our region. This is a win-win as it would strengthen the UK and help take some of the pressure off the South East as well.
Maybe in time we will be celebrating “Look what became of the North”.