Member Article

What are North East business leaders saying about the NECA’s devolution vote?

In light of the North East Combined Authority’s vote against progressing the region’s devolution deal, we bring reaction from across the North East’s business community.

Join the debate and have your say in our comments section below.

Sean Bullick, Chief Executive of Newcastle NE1 Limited

“Businesses in Newcastle and the wider North East need clarity on what is going to happen next.

“The devolution deal promised investment in our cities and transport infrastructure, it now falls to the politicians who have rejected it to show the way forward for the region.

“The business community has repeatedly made clear that we support devolution, and saw the benefits on offer. If the leaders of the Combined Authority cannot agree this deal with the Government they need to reassure businesses that they are seeking a suitable alternative.”

Nigel Mills, Entrepreneurs’ Forum Chairman

“Looking at the decision in the context of the Brexit vote and ever-increasing powers being devolved to Scotland, the North East needs its own devolution agreement or we risk being left behind.

“To truly be able to prosper we need to be masters of our own destiny; devolution would make this possible.

“If we don’t grasp this opportunity it will be a disappointing day for the North East. The investment that would come with the deal, and the devolution of business support services to the North East, would help the region’s businesses create much needed jobs and growth.”

Graham Robb, Chairman of the Institute of Directors in the North East

“Business will not appreciate this delay. It appears the councils are paralysed by politics.

“The Government has a mandate which is less than two years old and can reach this deal now, there is no need for the councils to add further layers of consultation.”

Jeremy Middleton, Independent North East Mayoral Candidate

Independent North East Mayoral Candidate Jeremy Middleton said: “This is an absolutely terrible decision. The North East’s politicians should show some leadership rather than squabbling amongst themselves.

“Their behaviour has divided the region, but it will be ordinary people that suffer because of their actions, not them. We need the powers to create jobs and support the NHS, they might well have thrown this away.

“The opportunities that come with devolution are clear and rejecting it will make us worse off in the long run. The political establishment that have run the region for decades have little to show for it.

“It’s sad to see councillors that once supported devolution voted against it when challenged by an independent candidate, are they afraid of change?”