MP Dave Watts throws his weight behind north west assembly (From Warrington Guardian)

MP Dave Watts throws his weight behind north west assembly

A NORTH west regional assembly has the full backing of Newton MP Dave Watts.

Mr Watts is supporting the Yes For The North West campaign, which wants people to vote for a regional assembly in October's referendum.

The north west has seven million people, more than Scotland's five million or Wales, which has only three million.

Dave said: "If it's good enough for Scotland, Wales and London, then it's good enough for us as well."

The assembly, which would be made up of no more than 35 members would have an annual budget of £780 million and influence how a further £1.6 billion is spent.

It would be responsible for the north west's economic development, large-scale planning, transport, skills and training, environmental protection, public health and culture.

Mr Watts said: "An elected assembly is vital for two reasons. It will help us punch our weight as a region - attracting new investment and generating new jobs. It will also give us a powerful voice in arguing for more resources.

"We're not taking away powers from local councils, it's about bringing decisions that are currently made by bureaucrats under democratic control for the first time."