A MEETING took place last Friday, October 8, which may one day have huge consequences for this area. Senior members of all political parties joined others representing business, unions, religious and voluntary groups to sign a short statement called the 'North West Charter.' It provides the basis for discussions about the creation of an elected North West Parliament to take key decisions made now by politicians in London.

Scotland and Wales have gained control over their domestic affairs and with its 7,000,000 people the north west is bigger than both and more populous than four nations within the European Union. In France and Spain strong regional parliaments are now well established and in the case of Germany, it was the British who created them!

As a born and bred north Westerner with ties to every part of this region, I support these moves with passion. I have no interest in the calls by some for an 'English' Parliament. I won't be alone in resenting the patronising attitude taken by too many people in the south towards the north, in wanting to reverse the trend which has seen the head offices of so many local companies move away, or of being angry when Treasury policies pay more attention to London house prices than to the needs of manufacturing industry here.

I congratulate Labour members locally for seeking to build a consensus of support for change and for accepting that fair votes would have to be used in any future regional elections. I am pleased, too, that Conservatives are taking part in the discussions despite their reservations.

We have a chance here to give the north west the same strength and authority as other great regions in Europe and reverse the trends which have led to decisions affecting no-one but ourselves being taken in London. I hope we can work together to ensure that these hesitant first steps take us to a successful end.

CHRIS DAVIES

Lib Dem MEP for the

north west

Castle Street, Stockport

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