Henri Murison
In a dynamic collaboration, the Centre for the South and the Centre for English Identity and Politics orchestrated an event, unveiling the University of Southampton's ground-breaking initiative – the Centre for the South. This innovative endeavour is poised to amplify research excellence, directing its focus towards addressing pertinent regional challenges. The event, held on the 8th of November at the Highfield Campus, not only marked the official introduction of the Centre for the South but also featured an insightful keynote speech by Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. Murison shared invaluable lessons on Devolution and levelling up, drawing from the rich tapestry of experiences in the north of England.
In Henri Murison's insightful retrospective on devolution in Southampton, he skilfully unravels the complex tapestry of decentralisation efforts in the UK, weaving together historical context, political dynamics, economic implications, and the evolution of devolution initiatives.
A Prelude to Devolution
Murison commences his speech by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss devolution in Southampton. Delving into the historical roots, he traces the inception of the devolution project back to the visionary Northern Powerhouse concept during the Cameron-Osborne coalition. His candid reflections highlight unintended consequences, such as centralisation and regional inequalities.
The Devolution Experience
Navigating through the devolution landscape, Murison dissects the unique focus on the North and its broader implications. The speech provides a historical lens, offering comparisons between cities like Manchester and Leeds to underscore the role of political structures in determining devolution success.
The Levelling-Up Agenda
Transitioning to the levelling-up agenda, Murison critiques the notion of regional equality through redistribution, challenging assumptions about taking from prosperous regions. Drawing on historical examples, he emphasises the difficulties northern cities faced and the influence of political structures.
Fuzzy Boundaries
The issue of boundaries takes centre stage, with Murison discussing the complexities of creating effective political structures and the necessity of understanding local identities. Candidly sharing observations about past mistakes, he challenges prevailing mindsets about economic growth and dispels the misconception of devolution as a zero-sum game.
Next Steps
The speech concludes with a deep dive into the context of devolution in Greater Manchester, exploring the transfer of powers and challenges surrounding mandates and legitimacy. Emphasizing the reduction of over-centralisation, Murison contends that successful towns are those connected to thriving cities, challenging the misconception that cities hoard wealth.
Reflections on the Past, Steps Toward the Future
As Murison reflects on the past, he emphasises that the evolution of devolution is a gradual process of building institutional capability rather than a revolutionary shift. He discusses next steps, highlighting the vital aspect of fiscal devolution and the necessity of addressing local government finance issues for sustainable devolution efforts.
In weaving together these themes, Murison's speech paints a comprehensive picture of the challenges, nuances, and potential solutions within the devolution landscape. The invitation for local input underscores the core principle that decisions affecting a community should be made by those directly impacted.