Devolution for Lancashire: My response to the King’s Speech

Yesterday I responded to legislation outlined in the King’s Speech in the House of Commons. I spoke about nationalising our rail services and how that will help people in Blackpool access better opportunities. I spoke about crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls which has today been declared a national emergency. I spoke about sewage and how United Utilities needs holding to account over its pollution of our coastline. I talked about Blackpool FC! And I talked about getting the best devolution deal possible for Lancashire. See my speech below and read on for more about how I’m working to get more powers for the north!

Along with our Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire neighbours, Lancashire would benefit greatly from a devolution deal with an elected metro mayor who has powers over transport, roads, urban regeneration, skills, and housing. 

I will work alongside my fellow Lancashire members and council leaders to secure the best devolution deal possible for our county.

That work begins tomorrow as I chair a meeting of Lancashire MPs who are also keen to have more devolved powers handed to the county. MPs expected to attend include Cat Smith (Lancaster and Wyre), Oliver Ryan (Burnley, Padiham & Brierfield), Maya Ellis (Ribble Valley), Paul Foster (South Ribble) and Lorraine Beavers (Blackpool North and Fleetwood).

Together we plan to sign a group letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government calling for an ambitious deal for Lancashire which had a preliminary two-tier devolution agreement agreed between the previous Government, Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Blackpool Council prior to the dissolution of parliament ahead of the general election.

Following the meeting with fellow Lancashire MPs, I will meet with Jim McMahon, Minister of State for the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government to discuss devolution for Lancashire.

I don’t believe that the agreed deal with the previous government was ambitious enough to give Lancashire a fair chance to take control of its own future.

The Prime Minister has noted that ‘decisions are best made by people with skin in the game’ and Lancashire deserves to be picked to play. For too long, decisions about Lancashire have been made by people with no understanding of the lives of people who live there.

I have been inspired by the work of Andy Burnham, Steve Rotherham and Tracy Brabin in neighbouring counties and seen the positive impact the work of these brilliant metro mayors has had on residents lives. Lancashire cannot be left behind. 

Last week the Secretary of State, Angela Rayner, wrote to council leader in “devolution deserts” to invite them to take a devolution deal in what is set to be a massive transferal of power out of Westminster and into the regions.  Under new devolution deals local leaders will be able to form combined authorities which will make decisions on transport, roads, urban regeneration, skills, and housing and aim to boost economic growth.  

The King announced the associated legislation in his speech on 17th July. He said:

“My Government believes that greater devolution of decision making is at the heart of a modern dynamic economy and is a key driver of economic growth and my Ministers will introduce an English Devolution Bill [English Devolution Bill]. Legislation will be introduced to give new powers to metro mayors and combined authorities. This will support local growth plans that bring economic benefit to communities.”

I look forward to meeting with fellow Lancashire MPs tomorrow to discuss our shared aims for Lancashire Devolution before taking our vision to the minister responsible for devolution. I am determined to get a strong deal for Lancashire so we can finally have parity with our northern neighbours.

BBC News: County's new devolution vision includes mayor