It’s good to dream. Dreams inspire, unite, and give us direction. But dreams can be shattered when they collide with reality, especially a reality shaped by market logic, centralised control, and political gatekeeping.

Power in Britain remains tightly held by central politicians, civil servants, and institutions reluctant to let go. They point to English devolution as proof of progress. But delegation is not liberation. Passing down limited responsibilities, while keeping control of the purse strings and priorities, is not the same as handing over power.

Multinational financial interests fragment communities, sideline local decision-making, and treat social wellbeing as a cost rather than a commitment. In this landscape, Yorkshire’s vision risks being dismissed as nostalgic or naïve.

The question is, must we accept this reality, or can we create something better?