07 November 2003
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott this week launched the 'great North vote', his year-long campaign for elected regional assemblies in the North.
Prescott's public information drive, dubbed 'Your Say', will cover the Northwest, Northeast, Yorkshire and the Humber, the regions expected to hold referendums next autumn. He indicated that, if successful, full elections for assemblies could be held by 2006/07.
Prescott, kicking off the first of his tours of the North, is expected to campaign hard for a 'yes' vote, with regional devolution the cornerstone of his department's policies.
Next year, all households in the northern regions are expected to receive an information pack detailing what responsibilities the assemblies will assume and what powers they will have. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is also planning exhibitions and promotional visits.
'People in the North have a great opportunity to establish a new form of government that will bring choice, democracy and opportunity. I'm confident "Your Say" will bring the debate to the people,' Prescott said.
PFnov2003
