Fairness fight

Their endorsement demonstrates that this is an issue which cannot be pushed to one side by David Cameron. After all, he was making very similar points when he was seeking the endorsement of Yorkshire voters ahead of last year’s election.

Given this, it is now paramount that this region’s MPs put their political differences to one side and work together for the benefit of the whole region.

As Julian Smith, the Skipton and Ripon MP, argues on the opposite page, it is the duty of every elected politician to champion the future interests of Yorkshire at all times. He is right.

This is important – the demise of Yorkshire Forward has left the area bereft of a body that could provide a region-wide vision and strategy to bring new investment to these parts.

Yet, while grass roots political pressure will be pivotal in the weeks ahead, there must also be a recognition from Mr Cameron that his government needs to be doing far more to advance the economic fortunes of Yorkshire and the North.

As Leader of the Opposition, his stance on the future of Yorkshire Forward appeared to vary, and appeared to be largely dependent on his audience.

As Prime Minister, Mr Cameron’s regional strategy has been similarly unsure. Notably, he has failed to follow through the speech that he delivered in Shipley in May last year when he pledged to narrow the North-South divide.

His response is now awaited with interest by all those striving to make Yorkshire a more prosperous county.