My Views

From Yorkshire Bylines, December 19th, 2020
Written by John Grogan

The most important speech Keir Starmer will give in 2020 will be hosted on Monday 21 December by the University of Edinburgh. It is a long time since a speech delivered in the Scottish capital has had such potential long-term consequences for the governance of England and indeed the whole of the United Kingdom.

From Yorkshire Bylines, August 1st, 2020
Written by John Grogan & Lord Kirkhope

In September 2015 ahead of a speech in Leeds, Prime Minister David Cameron was asked about devolution. Thinking himself off mike he said, “We just thought people in Yorkshire hated everyone else, we didn’t realise they hated each other so much”.

From Yorkshire Post, June 24th, 2020
Written by John Grogan

Television, radio and newspapers all face an uncertain few months. Commercial and funding pressures, which have been intensifying for decades, are coming to a head at the same time.

This matters to us all because a strong Yorkshire media holds power accountable and gives us more responsive institutions.

From Yorkshire Post, January 3rd, 2020
Written by John Grogan

FOR me Labour, battered and bruised, remains the best hope for social change in our nation. In 2020 we have a duty to pick ourselves up off the floor, not least for the sake of those we aspire to represent.

In truth it was only the votes diverted to the Brexit Party in Yorkshire at the election which prevented a dreadful result for Labour in the county becoming a near death experience. Many voters stuck with us despite severe reservations.