Northern leaders set out to collaborate to create a stronger North

A more strategic approach to transport, energy, trade and investment, and creating vibrant communities will enable the North to once again become a powerhouse and boost the UK's economy while helping achieve net zero ambitions, Northern Mayors will say today.  

Almost 1,000 leaders from across the North's business, political and education institutions will meet today to thrash out a manifesto for the North, which will be presented to all political parties ahead of the upcoming General Election.   

This could include proposals to fast-track bus franchising to make services quicker, cheaper and more reliable, creating a Northern energy strategy to harness the power of renewables that could heat and power the entire region, putting culture and the arts at the centre of placemaking so every community inspires and can thrive, and a strategic approach to funding railways including getting Northern Powerhouse Rail built in full once and for all. 

The North of England's leaders are committing to collaborate on these shared priorities for the first time, as over 800 business, political and civic society leaders gather in Leeds for the annual Convention of the North. Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will also address the Convention of the North tomorrow (1 March) and will face calls to back the manifesto in this pivotal General Election year.

Speaking with one “unified voice for the North”, Northern leaders will urge the next government to work with them on plans to grow the regional economy by over £100 billion and deliver a million new jobs by 2050.

Data suggests that with the right investment, the North could reduce its CO2 emissions by over 70 million tonnes – powering a “Green Industrial Revolution” and helping deliver national energy security by 2050. Currently, the North produces over half of England’s renewable energy.

Forming a new trading bloc of Northern cities to promote the region’s “super-sectors” of Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Health Innovation and Digital, to secure greater research and development (R&D) investment for universities and businesses. Data shows that over the past decade, investment in R&D has risen from around £4bn to £5bn in the North, whereas in the “Golden Triangle” between London, Oxford and Cambridge, it has risen from under £15bn to over £20bn.

A joined up Northern Trade and Investment Strategy, in partnership with the UK Government, could see a 5 per cent growth in the number of jobs created or sustained foreign direct investment (FDI) – the equivalent of almost £200m of extra investment. Delivering a “Northern Creative Corridor” to replace local competition for arts funding with collaboration, through a new £50m regional fund for small and medium-sized enterprises, and a “creative curriculum for the North” starting in secondary schools to inspire young people.

The proposal is part of wider plans to tackle child poverty, with children in the North having a 27 per cent chance of living in poverty, compared to 20 per cent in the rest of England. Data shows that the North’s creative industries support 170,000 jobs, contribute over £10bn to the regional economy, and help bring in £3.4bn of annual spend by holidaymakers. Hosted this year by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Chair of NP11 Clare Hayward, the Convention of the North provides a platform for the public, private and third sector to debate the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Oliver Coppard, South Yorkshire’s Mayor said: "The North is stronger when we talk with one unified voice, that’s why it’s vital for northern political and business leaders and government representatives to come together this week. We’re firing the starting gun on a plan for growth, for connectivity and for stronger collaboration to improve the lives of communities across our towns and cities.

“Further devolution will unlock further levers for us to take more decisions on how we spend money, and that has to include strong collaboration on projects and policy with other regions across the north.”

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