THE YORKSHIRE Party is calling for a referendum on a regional parliament.

The party wants the government to let the people of Yorkshire decide on a parliamentary devolution model, with powers similar to Scotland and Wales.

Party leader, Bob Buxton, who is recovering from contracting Covid-19, said: “We want and deserve a stronger Yorkshire in a fairer, stronger United Kingdom. So-called devolution deals are moving at a pace in North, West and East Yorkshire and this is why we believe the time is right to call for a referendum on the views of the people of Yorkshire.”

“In the UK we make these sorts of decisions via referendums. Where is Yorkshire’s referendum? Where is Yorkshire’s voice? We have the right to decide whether we want a Regional Parliament to improve Yorkshire’s transport, housing, health, social care, education, environment, economy and much more besides.”

He added: “Yorkshire can do a better job than the incompetent Westminster Government and we should surely have the choice of true local powers in a referendum. The Tories have never consulted the people of Yorkshire on proper devolution and funding – why are they scared of a powerful Yorkshire?”

Deputy Leader Tim Norman, who is Acting Leader while Dr Buxton recovers, is proposing an amendment to a Motion at the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, calling on the Government to hold a referendum on the formation of a Regional Parliament for Yorkshire.

Councillor Norman said, “Yorkshire has a greater population than Wales or Scotland and yet we have such little say in what happens within our boundaries. With very few decisions devolved to our County, we are essentially still 100 per cent governed by Westminster.”

Dr Buxton, who lives in Rawdon and trains engineering apprentice,s is the Yorkshire Party’s candidate for West Yorkshire Mayor. If elected, he has pledged to make the most of the limited mayoral powers and funding, and to continue fighting for a Regional Parliament for Yorkshire.