Supporters and Opponents of Regional Government in North East England

Abstract

This article defines 'regional government' as implying the existence of a directly elected regional assembly. It is possible to justify looking at North East England as a unit within which a debate about the desirability of establishing regional government can take place. Within North East England two different factions in favour of regional government can be identified: the regional Labour local government and union establishment; and radical regionalists generally from the regional intelligentsia. The motivations behind their support for regional government are explored. The mass public has not been mobilised on the issue thus far and is best described as apathetic. The regional business community is cited as an important regional interest that is against regional government. However, its support for regional governance and the generally pragmatic nature of its opposition to regional government suggests that tacit consent for a negotiated scheme may be achievable. In the conclusion it is noted that although some of the forces encouraging support for regional government in the North East are present in other regions, there are a number of regionally specific factors that explain why demands in the North East have been particu larly vocal. If regional governments are to be established in England it might therefore be appropriate for the North East to proceed faster than some other regions.