5 November 2004
The Government will not introduce the Regional Assemblies Bill after the people of the North East rejected the proposals in a referendum yesterday.
Speaking after the results were declared, the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said that the Government had made it clear that the issue was one for the people of the North East.
Mr Prescott said:
"Last night people in the North East decided that they do not want an elected assembly. They have had their say."
The electorate have been voting in the last three weeks on whether to have an elected regional assembly. Nearly 48 per cent of people voted in the poll.
"As a Government, we believe in giving people more say over the decisions which affect them. That is a more democratic way of making decisions and of course we abide by the people’s decision."
He said the Government had already brought economic stability, lower unemployment and lower inflation to the North East.
"Regardless of this result, we will continue to offer the best policies for the North East."
The Government will take stock of the proposed referenda in the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber.
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