Yorkshire First party calls for televised Yorkshire debate

The Yorkshire First political party has called for a televised debate in Yorkshire before the general elections in May.

(l-r) Deputy leader Stewart Arnold, and leader Richard Carter in Hull.

The party has today called for both the BBC and ITV to host a regionally debate amongst the parties standing in Yorkshire in April.

Leader of Yorkshire First, Richard Carter, said: “There is no doubt that devolution is on the agenda for Yorkshire. All three main parties seem to be heading down the city region path while we in Yorkshire First think an accountable parliament for the whole of Yorkshire best serves all the people’s needs. Whatever preference, it makes sense that these issues are properly debated in Yorkshire in the same way as they will be in Scotland. That’s why we have called for a specific Yorkshire debate amongst the parties.

“Such a debate should give members of the audience the opportunity to put their questions to the parties. The BBC has already dipped its toe in the water with a panel discussion on devolution in November last year and both BBC and ITV have a strong history of regional political broadcasting.”

Yorkshire First has already released its manifesto, which outlines the party’s policy initiatives on education, energy and the economy, with a central focus on a directly-elected accountable Parliament for Yorkshire.

The party has already selected a group of candidates to stand in the upcoming elections.

What do you think of having a televised debate in Yorkshire? Let us know in the comments.