News

Deputy PM starts national debate in Durham

(11 November 2003)

Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, visited Durham on Monday 3 November to launch the Government’s information campaign in the run up to a referendum on a new form of government: a democratically elected regional assembly.

At Durham Castle, Professor John Anstee, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Sub-Warden of the University of Durham, welcomed Mr Prescott and his ministerial colleagues and spoke about the University’s role in the region.

Mr Prescott spoke to key regional stakeholders and formally launched the branding to be used between now and the referendum in the autumn of 2004. In addition, he introduced a new public information leaflet and website which explain the role of an elected assembly and the function of a referendum in the North East.

The Government intends to give people in all three regions in the North of England, the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West the chance to have their say. For each region this means a new form of government with a duty to involve people in its work.

The process of devolving power started with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, city-wide government was restored to London. Now, people in the North East can vote for this in a referendum.

Durham and Northumberland currently have two tiers of local government at the County and District level. Voters can decide if and how best to move to a single tier of local councils.

Before speaking at the Castle, John Prescott visited Durham Tourist Information Centre to meet travel and tourism students who are potential first time voters in the referendum.

The launch concerns measures and developments that could shape the future of the North East. Therefore, Durham Castle was the perfect venue. The Castle’s staff is part of the University's total workforce. The University’s whole teaching and research operations, laboratories and libraries, spin-out companies and sports, leisure and cultural facilities, are all engaged in the economic fabric of the North East region.