Leader's statement on Scottish referendum result
Response from Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, to the result of the Scottish referendum, that Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom.
Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “I was born and brought up in Scotland, I’ve got huge fondness for Scotland. But the advantage to Scotland lies within them remaining part of the union.
“I sincerely hoped there would be a No vote on Thursday. Scotland’s got a great deal to gain by remaining part of the union.
“I think those risks were too great and I welcome this result with head ruling over heart and Scotland remaining part of the union.
“What will happen now is that substantial powers and devolution will come to the Scottish Parliament and to the Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly.
“There will be a great deal of pressure to put in similar arrangements into place for England or the English regions.
“I think there is an inevitability that will happen. The role of the city region in driving that agenda is coming to the fore.”
Joint statement on behalf of City Centred campaign (London and the Core Cities group) of which Sir Albert Bore, Leader of Birmingham City Council is a signatory of.
“The City Centred campaign is delighted that the people of Scotland have decided to remain part of the United Kingdom. A ‘no’ vote for independence is a ‘yes’ vote for devolution - voters clearly want more powers back in local hands.
“All three leaders of the main political parties in Westminster have therefore committed to devolving new powers to the Scottish Government. It is vital that urgent devolution to England, and particularly to its cities, forms a key part of this package of reforms - new powers to grow and invest will have hugely beneficial effects in England's cities, and across the whole country.
“The City Centred campaign has clear, sensible and well-supported recommendations for devolution to England's cities. By devolving the suite of 5 property taxes to cities they will, like Scotland, have the secure funding needed to invest for their future growth. Big decisions will be made closer to the people they directly effect, and the whole of the United Kingdom will feel the long-term benefits of growth.
“We look forward to working with all policy makers to develop the economic basis for our ongoing Union.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Core Cities represent the councils of England's eight largest city economies outside London, and Glasgow. These are: Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield.
