Who isn’t proud to be from Lancashire? We powered the industrial revolution - established football as a major game - invented the jet engine - have some amazing countryside, and still punch above our weight with our engineering prowess.
This week marked 728 years since Lancashire first sent representatives to Parliament and so at the start of the week, I celebrated Lancashire Day with BBC Radio Lancashire in Speakers House. Our history is such a rich tapestry, from the House of Lancaster, which is where we get the red rose from, to the present-day boundaries encompassing world leading aerospace businesses – we represent a vital part of our nation’s history.
But it’s not just a story of the past. For me it’s about where we are going next. And from everyone I speak with, we’re still driven by the same level of determination us northerners are known for.
This week marked a major turning point in Lancashire’s future. I’ve always been a big believer in devolving power closer to the people. And the new Lancashire Devolution deal, signed in an official ceremony at Lancaster castle on Sunday afternoon, will now make that a reality.
Decisions affecting economic growth, skills and employment, and Lancashire wide public transport will be decided here in our county, rather than in a Whitehall Department based in London. Whilst this may sound like a boring technical change, it will have a major impact on the local services we all receive, and crucially the funding that is brought to Lancashire.
All credit to the leadership at Lancashire County Council for getting this deal done. It’s long overdue. Because a more joined up approach to our county is exactly what is needed. Of course some Labour Borough Councillors are trying to make an issue out of it, but it says it all that their representatives on the County Council all supported it. Cross party support was given as the deal is a good one. It means local voices are only amplified.
And finally, this week, it was a pleasure to welcome another 40 residents to Parliament yesterday on my final coach trip of the year. I’ve always said that Parliament belongs to the people and so I never tire of enabling people from Burnley and Padiham to come down and see the place for themselves. Especially as at this time of the year seeing Parliament with the Christmas decorations up is just magical.
This weekend I’ll be out on the doorsteps again – I hope to catch you.
