THE way the UK is organised needs to change.
Too many decisions are made in London by people who know nothing about Hull and East Yorkshire.
I want local people to have more say about what happens here. We know what's best for Hull, not people in London.
We have some brilliant people in Hull, coming up with new ideas, investing in our area and creating jobs.
For example, the C4DI is bringing people in the technology sector together, and supporting new businesses start and grow.
They have recently joined a Northern hub, which has had national recognition and aims to create new jobs in our area.
And, of course, the growing green energy sectors, including Siemens coming to Hull, have great potential for our area.
They will help to develop and grow the local economy and for local people to use their skills in good jobs.
This, on top of recent investment in our area such as the reduction in the Humber Bridge tolls, the committed investment in Castle Street improve- ments, and the recent news of rail improvements, mean there is real potential to change our area for the better and for good.
In the wake of the Scottish Referendum, a new consensus is emerging among political parties that devolution and decentrali- sation should be extended further.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has been calling for greater decentralisation and devolution for the North of England for some time.
Earlier this year, he launched the Northern Futures project, which aims to ask the question, how do we build on the strengths in the North to create an economic core in the heart of the region that can compete with the biggest cities in the world?
The Northern Futures project is a new approach to policy making, which means that rather than decisions being made by politicians and civil servants in Whitehall, the power is given to the people who live and work in the North.
In looking for ways to build a stronger economy, Nick Clegg has been asking the public to come up with ideas on ways to create an economic hub in the North of England.
You can find out more information and add your voice at www.northern futures.dialogue-app.com
There are ideas from Hull as well as across the north about how to build a stronger economy for our part of the country.
I hope people will find time to visit the website and add their thoughts.
