Yorkshire has long been trapped by national failure—overlooked, underpowered, and left to carry the cost. Power remains tightly held by the centre. Politicians, civil servants, and institutions resist letting go. The centre calls English devolution progress. But devolution is not liberation. Passing down limited responsibilities is not the same as handing power over.

UK Treasury policies favour short-term growth in already wealthy regions, reinforcing divides. Multinational finances fragment communities, sideline local decision-making, and treat social welfare as a cost—ignoring the essential needs of ordinary people.

Like everywhere in England, Yorkshire faces the heavy price for successive government’s failures to bring climate disruption under control.

Beneath all this lies a deeper barrier: fear of change. I understand it. I’ve felt it. But change isn’t the enemy. Inaction and sticking with the status quo are.

Next, we begin to think about hopes for the future. In the meantime, please leave your comments on the Centre’s failures below, do you think it goes far enough?