ABOLITION OF REGIONAL ASSEMBLIES

Early day motion 56, tabled 17 May 2005 by Caroline Spelman (Conservative). Signed by 82 members.

That this House note the overwhelming and decisive rejection of elected regional assemblies in the North East referendum by 78 per cent. to 22 per cent. and widespread public opposition to regional government in England, to higher taxes and to more politicians; further notes that the transfer of powers to regional chambers was predicated on the ultimate establishment of elected regional assemblies; believes that there is now a clear democratic deficit, as the regional chambers have no accountability, no mandate and no legitimacy; and calls on the Government to end its regionalisation by stealth and for the regional chambers to be abolished, and for the powers that have been seized by the chambers to be returned to England's boroughs, counties and cities.

Signatures by party: Conservative 82.