Tom Gordon MP Tables Amendment to English Devolution Bill to Unlock Real Power for Yorkshire

As Yorkshire’s only Liberal Democrat MP, Tom Gordon has taken a firm stand in Parliament,
tabling an amendment to the English Devolution Bill to deliver real powers to the region. He
calls for greater regional autonomy and a break from Westminster’s one-size-fits-all
approach that has long neglected Yorkshire’s communities.

The amendment aims to give Yorkshire control over essential services such as transport,
education, health, and housing – powers Tom says are critical to undoing decades of neglect
and underinvestment.

Central to the proposal is a call for a unified, Yorkshire-wide settlement, allowing the region
to make decisions collectively rather than being fractured into four competing mayoral areas.

Tom points to persistent challenges as clear evidence that current devolution arrangements
and Westminster’s centralised control are failing Yorkshire. Much of the region still lacks
basic mass transit; rural communities often have no viable transport options. Education and
skills policies are centrally dictated, ignoring the needs of local economies, especially in
post-industrial towns hit hardest by decline. Health outcomes fall below the national average,
yet services remain shaped by distant decision-makers.

For Tom, these issues are symptoms of a system that funnels resources into the South while
leaving the North behind. His amendment aims to rebalance power by putting decision-
making in the hands of local communities who know their needs best.

Commenting, Tom said:

“Yorkshire’s economy rivals Wales, its population matches Scotland’s, and its regional
identity runs deep. Yet Westminster has consistently held us back, too focused on funnelling
resources into the South.

“Yorkshire deserves far better. That’s why I’ve tabled an amendment to the English
Devolution Bill to secure real powers over transport, health, education, and more.

“If Westminster won’t support Yorkshire’s future, it must step aside and let us take charge.
Yorkshire’s potential is ready to be unlocked, and I’m determined to make that happen.”