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03/11/2003
Campaign to devolve powers to the regions unveiled
A new campaign launched today is set to help people in north west and north east England, and Yorkshire and the Humber to decide if they want to vote 'yes' for an elected regional assembly.
The 'Your Say' campaign includes a new leaflet setting out what an elected regional assembly would mean for the three northern regions, a website and promotional material. Exhibitions and visits are planned over the next year.
People in the above areas will get the chance to vote on whether they want an assembly in referendums expected to be held next autumn.
These regions showed a high level of interest in holding a referendum in the government's sounding exercise earlier this year.
An elected regional assembly would improve democracy, bring decision making closer to the people and champion regional interests and priorities, the government said.
Assemblies would have responsibilities on issues like jobs, business and skills, housing and planning, culture, tourism and fire and rescue.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "People in the north have a great opportunity to establish a new form of government that will bring choice, democracy and opportunity to their region. The information campaign I am launching today will ensure people are armed with the knowledge to choose whether they want to take this opportunity or not.
"The institutions that already exist - the Regional Chambers, the Regional Development Agencies and the Government Offices for the Regions - will continue to ensure that there is a distinctive regional voice from each region heard in Whitehall and elsewhere."
(gmcg)
The 'Your Say' campaign includes a new leaflet setting out what an elected regional assembly would mean for the three northern regions, a website and promotional material. Exhibitions and visits are planned over the next year.
People in the above areas will get the chance to vote on whether they want an assembly in referendums expected to be held next autumn.
These regions showed a high level of interest in holding a referendum in the government's sounding exercise earlier this year.
An elected regional assembly would improve democracy, bring decision making closer to the people and champion regional interests and priorities, the government said.
Assemblies would have responsibilities on issues like jobs, business and skills, housing and planning, culture, tourism and fire and rescue.
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said: "People in the north have a great opportunity to establish a new form of government that will bring choice, democracy and opportunity to their region. The information campaign I am launching today will ensure people are armed with the knowledge to choose whether they want to take this opportunity or not.
"The institutions that already exist - the Regional Chambers, the Regional Development Agencies and the Government Offices for the Regions - will continue to ensure that there is a distinctive regional voice from each region heard in Whitehall and elsewhere."
(gmcg)
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23 July 2004
'Concerns' lead to regional assembly postal voting reschedule
Referendums on elected regional assemblies in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber have been rescheduled following Parliamentary concerns over postal voting, the government has announced today.
'Concerns' lead to regional assembly postal voting reschedule
Referendums on elected regional assemblies in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber have been rescheduled following Parliamentary concerns over postal voting, the government has announced today.
16 June 2003
Three English regions prepare for assemblies referenda
Three English regions are to move towards holding referendums for elected regional assemblies, the Deputy Prime Minister announced today.
Three English regions prepare for assemblies referenda
Three English regions are to move towards holding referendums for elected regional assemblies, the Deputy Prime Minister announced today.
05 November 2004
North east issues overwhelming 'No' for regional assembly
Voters in the north east of England have categorically rejected Labour plans for a regional assembly, it has emerged today. With over three-quarters of the electors, or 696,519 people, voting against in the referendum, the prospect of a regional assembly in the north east has been knocked back for at least seven years.
North east issues overwhelming 'No' for regional assembly
Voters in the north east of England have categorically rejected Labour plans for a regional assembly, it has emerged today. With over three-quarters of the electors, or 696,519 people, voting against in the referendum, the prospect of a regional assembly in the north east has been knocked back for at least seven years.
24 June 2003
Regions show slight improvement says CBI research
Firms are predicting a modest pick-up in business in eight out of nine English regions after spending most of the year struggling against a global economic slowdown, the CBI has said.
Regions show slight improvement says CBI research
Firms are predicting a modest pick-up in business in eight out of nine English regions after spending most of the year struggling against a global economic slowdown, the CBI has said.
17 April 2003
Regional imports suffer £1bn slump
Government figures released today have revealed that the value of regional imports has slumped by around £1 billion over the past quarter. According the Customs and Excise report, estimates for the fourth quarter 2002 saw regional imports dip £1 billion, or 2%, on the third quarter's figures to £51.4 billion.
Regional imports suffer £1bn slump
Government figures released today have revealed that the value of regional imports has slumped by around £1 billion over the past quarter. According the Customs and Excise report, estimates for the fourth quarter 2002 saw regional imports dip £1 billion, or 2%, on the third quarter's figures to £51.4 billion.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Showers today, occasional north and west of Lough Neagh, but only a few isolated light outbreaks expected for Belfast and county Down where the best of the winter sunshine is expected. West to northwest winds brisk around the coasts. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers focused across northern areas of the Province, with most in the south staying dry, with a frost developing for many here. Northwest winds fresh around the coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
