LEADING NE CAMPAIGNER SAYS HE'S PROUD TO BE

A GEORDIE AND PROUD TO VOTE 'NO' TO AN ASSEMBLY

Martin Callanan, North East Conservative MEP and leading figure in the campaign to stop the setting up of a regional assembly, spoke to the policy committee of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The meeting was on Monday 8th March at 8.30am at Ramside Hall, Durham. The members of the FSB also welcomed Sir John Hall who will speak in favour of a North East Assembly.

Speaking ahead of the meeting and outlining some of the key themes Martin said:

'Having been born and bred on Tyneside, I know only too well the deep sense of pride that comes from being a Geordie. However, contrary to popular myth, these feelings are not exclusively in the genes of those campaigning for regional government, as some would have us believe.'

'I am against the proposals for a regional assembly because I believe they are not in the best interests of the people of the North East. Yes, we can have pride in our history and identity. Yes, we should look to elect politicians who can make a real difference for our region. Yes, we should look to promote economic and social regeneration - but it is clear from the government's white paper that a regional assembly would make none of these things more likely; If anything the reverse.'

'I am getting many letters from constituents complaining about record levels of council tax. Nobody has written to say that they would like another body at regional level with the power to charge them even more council tax!’

‘When the time comes to vote in the referendum in the autumn, I am certain that the people of the North East will not be beguiled by the smoke and mirrors of John Prescott and his taxpayer funded 'information campaign'. It is not being anti-North East to be anti-Regional Assembly.’