Prescott running scared

Apathy jibe as briefing called off
Sep 7 2004
By Zoe Hughes, The Journal

Local government chiefs in the North-East are apathetic about plans for a regional assembly after failing to sign up to a high-powered conference starring John Prescott, `No' campaigners claimed last night.

Anti-assembly campaigner Neil Herron warned the last-minute cancellation of a London-based "briefing" was indicative of the lack of interest felt by most people in the region - and showed his campaign now had opponents "on the run".

However, he was immediately attacked by `Yes' campaigners, who said the public were becoming more interested by the day, with a recent poll showing supporters outnumbered those in doubt by two to one. Both sides were speaking out as conference organisers Capita LD announced they were pulling the plug on plans for a special regional assembly debate in London on September 23, because they had "failed to secure the number of delegates" needed.
It had been billed as a "must" for those in local government, featuring the Deputy Prime Minister, officials from the elections watchdog, the Electoral Commission, campaigners and North-East businesses.

"This briefing has been specifically designed, and is a must, for all those involved in local government, in such areas as governance, planning, policy, strategy and elections," said the marketing brochure.

"Its ideal timing in September ensures that our briefing will be an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the Electoral Commission's report on postal voting and, at the same time, be a timely point to consider the referendum still going ahead on November 4."

Despite months of marketing, though, too few people have signed up for the £299-a-head "high-level" briefing, with a spokeswoman blaming the summer holidays. "We haven't managed to fill enough places to ensure this goes ahead. It seems like this could be because of the August holidays. Everyone has been on holiday and they haven't managed to do anything about it," she said.

Mr Herron, campaign director for the North-East No Campaign, criticised the cancellation saying: "If they cannot get local government officials to turn up to a conference like this, then it sends out a clear message to the public. Mr Prescott is running scared because he knows people are turning against his plans."

But Professor John Tomaney, chairman for the `Yes' campaign, said: "There is no evidence in all the recent polls that people are apathetic. Indeed, people want to know more about regional assemblies. Capita would have been better off hosting this meeting in the North-East, rather than in London. This is why we need devolution so mistakes like this don't happen again."

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said: "This issue is very important and that's why we are seeking to engage and encourage people to join in with the debate to have their say."

The truth behind the spin is to follow.