MEP comments on 'No' vote for Regional Assembly

12.00.00am GMT Fri 5th Nov 2004

The 'No' vote in the North East referendum was prompted by Labour's half-baked ideas on devolution. With so few powers promised, this was not a true test of the region's desire to take power from London. Labour further alienated many core supporters of devolution by insisting on local government re-organisation being linked to a 'Yes' vote.

Devolution is not an issue that will go away, because the problems of the North East remain. Under both Labour and Conservative rule from London, the gap between North and South has widened. 'Yes' and 'No' voters are agreed that the fight for a fair deal for our region must go on.

Liberal Democrats believe we now need a Convention of the North: a forum where people from all three northern regions can reflect on the future.