Yorkshire’s three Metro Mayors have united under a new White Rose Agreement to harness the powers of devolution, champion Yorkshire and work together across key areas where they share mutual priorities.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin and Mayor of York & North Yorkshire David Skaith signed the agreement at the historic Selby Abbey which borders the three mayoral areas.
The mayors said that they aim to focus on “good growth”, promoting Yorkshire, improving rail connectivity, cross-border bus services, and keeping communities safe.
Coppard, who was first elected as South Yorkshire’s Mayor in 2022, said: “We’re more than lucky to be able to call Gods Own Country our home. Not just because of our past but because of our future. And as the three mayors who represent our region, we’re determined to build that future together; to build on the huge opportunities in front of us, and to be tackling our long-standing challenges.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin
GETTY
“We are coming together at this moment because devolution gives us the chance to work together to take that future into our own hands; to grow not just South Yorkshire’s economy, or Yorkshire’s economy, but to play our full part in the renewal of the whole of the UK.
“Together we can tackle the transport challenges that have held us back, bring in the investment that will amplify our huge ambition, and create more good jobs in the industries of the future.”
Brabin, who moved from being Batley & Spen MP to Mayor of West Yorkshire in 2021, added that the White Rose agreement is “devolution in action”.
She said: “Our ambitions extend well beyond our boundaries, which is why I’m delighted to be working with Lord Blunkett who will review rail services and infrastructure across Yorkshire, so that we can identify the best way to boost connections and growth.”
Skaith added: “People across Yorkshire have a strong local identity, but when it comes to keeping communities safe, getting to work or college, or doing business, people don’t care about boundaries between one area of Yorkshire or another.
“They just care that they’re connected to opportunity and that’s what the White Rose Agreement is all about.
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Mayor of York & North Yorkshire David Skaith
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“Yorkshire is a place that’s beloved by the people in it, and as a globally recognised brand.
“We want to share the unique strengths we each bring to the table, to ensure that we’re championing the region as a great place to live, work, visit and invest.
“Working together, we want every town, every rural hamlet, every coastal community, as well as our big cities, to feel the benefits of our collective ambition to deliver more for the people that we serve.”
The three Yorkshire mayors also announced that they are already delivering on the ambitions in the White Rose agreement after Lord David Blunkett was instructed to lead a review on improving connectivity across the county.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard
PA
Lord Blunkett said: “Decent transport connections are key to economic growth and a society where opportunities are spread across the country.
“Today’s White Rose Agreement is a historic day for Yorkshire and a foundation on which we can build.
“I’m very pleased to work with Yorkshire’s Mayors on this by leading a review on improving rail connections and services for the north.”
Following the 2024 mayoral elections, Yorkshire is now home to three directly elected regional mayors, covering a combined population of 4.5 million people.
After the elections for the Hull & East Yorkshire Mayor in May all three mayors will seek to work closely with them and discuss being involved in the White Rose Agreement.
