Founders Interview

Founder’s Interview Liberating Yorkshire supporter Wendy Hall sat down with the group’s founder, Philip Hardstone, earlier this year during a sunny afternoon stroll through Greenhead Park in Huddersfield. Their conversation offered a glimpse into the experiences and convictions that inspired him to launch the movement. This is what Wendy shared afterwards: “Spending time with Philip […]

Citizen Journalism

Citizen Journalism Yorkshire Bylines, a not-for-profit online bulletin that champions citizen journalism, has recently published two significant articles by Philip Hardstone, founder of Liberating Yorkshire. In July, he urged a shift from devolution to autonomy, a crucial topic in our current political discourse. In May, he discussed unlocking the strength of bottom-up governance and the […]

Yorkshire Declaration

Yorkshire Declaration The Yorkshire Declaration, a call for meaningful devolution, was conceived by Colin Speakman and Simon Duffy and signed by 100 citizens. Proclaimed in April 2024 at the symbolic Eye of York – where the three historic ridings meet. It helped prompt Liberating Yorkshire’s vision for an autonomous Yorkshire, and we are grateful to […]

Philip Hardstone reveals more about his liberating journey and how he became convinced bottom-up democracy is the way forward.

Philip Hardstone reveals more about his liberating journey and how he became convinced bottom-up democracy is the way forward. I worked for Kirklees Housing Services for 28 years, primarily collaborating with the Kirklees Federation of Tenant and Residents Associations and individual tenant and resident groups. Our goal was to improve the quality of homes and […]

My Liberating Journey

My Liberating Journey Philip Hardstone writes about his liberating journey and what led him to found Liberating Yorkshire in 2024. He says I am not telling this story for applause but to encourage others who may be in a similar boat as I was. Born to a respected family of shopkeepers. From being a small […]