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Can rural and isolated areas of Northern England benefit from the increased autonomy of Scotland? Some reflections on the Borderlands Initiative. Borderlands: The Context. 2013 Report: Borderlands: Can The North East and Cumbria benefit from greater Scottish autonomy?
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Can rural and isolated areas of Northern England benefit from the increased autonomy of Scotland? Some reflections on the Borderlands Initiative
Borderlands: The Context 2013 Report: Borderlands: Can The North East and Cumbria benefit from greater Scottish autonomy? Key message: recognise competition with Scotland but also collaborative opportunities: a practical, common-sense approach whatever the outcome of the 2014 referendum Recommendations taken up by five councils: Northumberland; Cumbria; Carlisle City; Dumfries and Galloway; and Scottish Borders Supported by the First Minister and Scottish Government and supported in the Scottish Select Committee’s Report, Our Borderlands: Our Future Two meetings so far of Council leaders and senior officers and setting up of a Borderlands Steering Group 2nd Borderlands report now being finalised
Making the most of the opportunities provided by the Referendum debate • ‘We have tended to forget just how much we have in common with the Scots in terms of our social and economic challenges. If we could forget that line on the map, we would see benefits from cross-border co-operation’ • ‘We can maximise opportunities and make common cause with Scotland on issues such as transport’ • ‘We mustn’t be too negative....a growing Scotland could lead to a growing north of England if we are able to share in that growth’ • ‘The North East, Cumbria and Scotland have considerable natural resources such as wind, water, coastline, and space. Scotland plus the north could become a centre for renewables. Views from the Borderlands report (2013)
The Borderlands Approach: Distinctiveness Previous collaboration across the border very limited New cross-border approach involving gaining support from both governments Focus on areas and linkages that are not given sufficient priority at the regional or national levels because of geography Recognises common problems and assets Much of the agenda directly relates to rural development
Challenges Relatively low wealth creation Relatively low wages Limited Economic Development and Diversification Loss of Young People and a Reducing Working Population An Ageing population Connectivity Problems High levels of rural deprivation in parts
Assets Area covers one tenth of the UK and has a population of over 1 million (14 million people live within two hours’ drive) GVA amounts to around £18 billion which represents £16,706 per person and 70.3% of the UK average. Home to a growing base of small businesses and a range of international companies in industries such as advanced engineering, food and drink, textiles, health care and electronics. Significant producer of clean renewable energy through on and offshore wind power, hydro-electricity, biomass and solar power. Tourism: location of world-class visitor assets Significant agricultural, forestry and freshwater and sea fishing resources
Borderlands: A Common-Sense Approach Improve cross-border communications and exchanges (a Borderlands ‘Network’) Share intelligence and good practice Improve co-ordination Provide a common voice when needed Agree proposals for legislative or policy change Agree to lobby for changes in projects that are the responsibility other government services and agencies
Illustrations of a Borderlands Approach Macro-Level Micro-level Borderland’s network of the free-standing market towns Making the most of the River Tweed Create an international strategy for Dark Skies tourism that draws upon both Kielder and Galloway Forest Develop a more co-ordinated approach to coastal paths and cycle routes on the east and west coasts • Develop a Borderlands Forestry Compact • Develop a Borderlands Strategy for Community-Based Renewable Energy Projects • Develop a Borderlands approach to Green (Sustainable) Tourism • Establish a Borderlands Farmers Forum
Last words… Policies often ignore the fact that economic development and innovation ties span regional administrative borders See borders as bridges that provide opportunities for innovation rather than as barriers preventing the flow of people, goods and knowledge Only pursue the cross-border element when it makes sense.
