Conor McGinn MP spoke at Fabian Society event on the Northern Powerhouse at Labour Party Conference.
Speaking at the panel event, McGinn spoke of the importance of a strong relationship between MPs and local authorities. He praised the work done by St Helens Council in the face of unprecedented cuts.
McGinn said further devolution to a Merseyside City Region should be the right fit and take into account local identities and priorities.
He also argued that for the north to truly be considered a powerhouse, economic equality in region would have to be addressed.
Commenting McGinn said:
“The Labour Party should be at the forefront of the devolution agenda and promoting economic prosperity in the North West. We are in danger of the letting the Tories dominate the devolution space despite their commitment to a Northern Powerhouse being much more about style than substance. So far, all we’ve seen is the electrification of railways cancelled and local police forces and councils facing huge cuts.
“Councils like St Helens do a tough job in ensuring critical services are maintained despite the scale of the cuts they face. Barrie Grunewald and his Cabinet team have my full support in continuing the work they are doing.
“I want to see evidence and a commitment that any devolved arrangements for Merseyside work for people in St Helens North. We need to ensure communities here are not left behind, and that they receive the same level of representation and provision as anywhere else on Merseyside.”
The discussion in full can be watched at the link below:
http://www.fabians.org.uk/listen-again-northern-powerhouse-spin-or-substance/