Devolution: England

Baroness Bryan of Partick Excerpts
Tuesday 28th July 2020

(4 years, 4 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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My Lords, the Government are aware that participation at the local level is important. We continue to support groups such as citizens advice groups and West London Citizens—with which I work—that provide that direct democracy.

Baroness Bryan of Partick Portrait Baroness Bryan of Partick (Lab) [V]
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Michael Gove said yesterday that devolution gives us the best of both worlds: local decision-making and strength and security with our fellow citizens. Over the past 20 years, Scotland and Wales have had accountability with their First Ministers via elected Members. Does the Minister agree that the regions of England are entitled to the same rights?

Lord Greenhalgh Portrait Lord Greenhalgh
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The devolution in England that we are seeking is through the local leadership afforded by local mayors rather than the regional devolution models of Scotland and Wales. That is the basis on which we will outline further measures in the White Paper this autumn.