CFER

A major academic study has been published on 2 July 2003 has found that all of the English regions could win a referendum on elected regional government. The study completed by Prof Charlie Jeffery, Director of the ESRC’s Devolution and Constitutional Change programme, analyses the responses to the Government’s soundings process conducted to assess the … Read more

Reaching Out – the Government’s own report dismisses the current tier of regional government as confused and uncoordinated (Executive Summary February 2000) Chapter 1: Introduction 1. This study was one of the first to be conducted by the Performance and Innovation Unit. It took place during 1999. 2. The objective was to ascertain how central … Read more

Time for a Change – the North East Constitutional Convention come forward with a credible and strong model for devolution in the North East The Case for a New North East Assembly Report of the North East Constitutional Convention November 1999 Contents Summary 1 The work of the Convention 2 Key Issues 3 The Case … Read more

We propose the creation of a West Midlands Constitutional Convention (WMCC), which will: Regardless of race, creed or social status, bring together persons, groups, associations, political parties and companies wishing to debate and examine the possibilities for improved and democratically accountable regional government within the official Government region of the West Midlands. Plan and effect … Read more

Dr John Tomaney is a senior lecturer at the Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Michelle Mitchell is head of Parliamentary Affairs at Charter88 SUMMARY The future stability of a devolved Britain depends on successfully answering the English question. The process of devolution has left England untouched within an unbalanced constitutional … Read more

On 7 March 2000 an Early Day Motion was tabled in the House of Commons to coincide with the launch of the Campaign for the English Regions. It soon garnered over 140 signatures, including over 115 Labour backbenchers, 4 Labour Chairs of Commons Select Committees, 10 members of the Lib Dem Shadow Cabinet, and notable … Read more

The Labour North Regional Board met on 29th April 2000 to consider making a submission on Regional Government. This meeting followed on from a Regional Policy Forum in October 1999 which considered a consultation document drawn up on this subject. Thereafter, a widespread consultation exercise was held amongst all Labour Party affiliates following the publication … Read more

Government Minister Richard Caborn MP issues a rallying call for Regional Government at a Fabian Conference in York 18 November 2000 Talk today about democratic renewal, constitutional change and the devolution of power to the English regions. Want to set out the arguments as to why I believe the radical programme of constitutional change we … Read more

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT POLICY Reforming Governance in the UK, Chapter 4, pp 26-34 Approved by Lib Dem Conference 2000 Decentralised Government 4.1 Introduction 4.1.1 The Liberal Democrats have long advocated devolution for Scotland and Wales (and when possible Northern Ireland) and a system of directly elected regional government for the English Regions. These commitments have been … Read more

Building a future for all National policy forum report to Labour conference 2000 Chapter on Environment, transport and the regions, pp66-68 EMPOWERING PEOPLE Labour’s key objectives: Empowering local people and revitalising local democracy. Modernising local government structures making it more representative. Decentralising power to the English regions and strengthening regional policy. Delivering quality local services. … Read more