Lancashire Live News, 26th February
SELRAP will be there
A key political and business conference takes place in Lancashire this week, focusing on the north's transport, economy, investment, education, tourism, energy and environmental issues.
The Convention of the North takes place at County Hall and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) in Preston on Thursday and Friday (February 27 and 28). It includes talks, networking and promotional elements.
TV's Good Morning Britain presenter and UCLAN chancellor Ranvir Singh will host the event. Organisers say it offers an opportunity to help shape local and national policies and decision-making. Railway campaigners from east Lancashire plan to be there.
The convention was first launched in 2018 and previous gatherings have been in Manchester, Liverpool, Gateshead, Leeds and Rotherham. Last year's convention had 800 people in attendance and included a speech by Greater Manchester Labour MP Angela Rayner, who is now the deputy prime minister.
The Convention of the North says it aims to build a thriving and well-connected 'northern powerhouse' that will unlock the region’s full potential to deliver sustainable, healthy and inclusive growth.
TOPICS
The opening day (February 27) includes talks on transport, advanced manufacturing, innovation, skills, trade and investment, places, tourism and cultural policy, and steps to cutting carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
The transport session will be led by Transport for the North. It is a government-backed body with offices in Leeds and Manchester which brings together government departments, highway and railway authorities, business representatives and others with a focus on funding and decision-making about northern transport. Its members include leading councillors from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn and Blackpool.
Information about the transport session states: "Transforming transport infrastructure is critical for bridging regional disparities and unlocking economic potential. The session will focus on creating integrated and sustainable solutions to improve connectivity, drive inclusive growth and contribute to net zero goals."
People from Pendle in the Skipton East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) campaign group will be there. They want government and rail industry backing to reopen the 11-mile Colne to Skipton railway link, enabling a new trans-Pennine rail line connecting Lancashire and Yorkshire away from congested Greater Manchester. In the past, concerns have been raised at some SELRAP meetings about a perceived Transport for the North focus on investment in the Manchester-Huddersfield rail corridor without similar commitments to other parts of the north.
Elsewhere, the innovation session will look at the links between northern universities, government-designated investment zones and clusters of businesses in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digital technology and energy.
WESTMINSTER GUESTS
On Friday (February 28), two senior Westminster MP speakers are expected - one from the government and one from the opposition. There will also be sessions on collaborative working and 'game-changers for the north'.
Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s a great honour to host this year’s convention in Preston. It will provide an invaluable opportunity to unite and celebrate the power and potential of northern collaboration.
“Lancashire has a proud history, from its key role in the Industrial Revolution to its ongoing contributions to the north’s economy and culture. Our legacy of innovation and community spirit continues to shape the future of the county, and we’re excited to take the lead in showcasing this to our other northern partners.
“It’s essential that we learn from one another. By exchanging ideas and experiences, we empower each other to create a brighter future for our communities and region.”
PARTY NIGHT
Thursday night will see a spin-off event with the Preston Partnership, called Preston Party '25, at Chew's Yard, Preston.