Time for a devolution revolution, says think tank

A new paper will be released by Centre Think Tank alongside exclusive polling commissioned with the Millbank Think Tank from Deltapoll, looking at the future of devolution.

The paper calls for a devolution revolution with a broad range of powers being handed to regions and states across the UK.

Former Labour Leader, Lord Kinnock, says: “This paper provides a useful contribution to the thinking that has to be done by offering a clear route map towards workable and fair devolution for the whole of the UK.

By setting out practical ideas about accountable powers to foster economic development and improve public services, it is focused on the main challenge, which must be to serve, empower and enrich the lives of the communities which give identity, security and opportunity to the British people.

The paper supports further devolution in broadcasting, justice, social security, energy and transport. It also sets out plans to create a fairer funding formula to replace the unfair and outdated Barnett formula.

Director of Centre Think Tank and the author of the paper, Torrin Wilkins, said: “This paper sets out a real plan to give more powers to Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions of England. It also gives devolved nations the real funding they need to improve healthcare and education.

The plan builds on the work done by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his report on the future of the UK. It also builds on the success of the Metro Mayor system, which has seen Mayors such as Andy Burnham and London Mayor Sadiq Khan hold a national presence.

It is time for the Labour Party to become the party of devolution at the next election. This will be crucial in areas like Scotland, where the poll co-commissioned shows strong support for further devolution.”

Notes to editors

Centre Think Tank is centrist and moderate. Our mission is to research new policy ideas and to create discussion around different issues. We campaign for better public services and to boost businesses. Centre Think Tank has cross-party support from Members of Parliament, the House of Lords, and the devolved parliaments of the UK.