The three Metro mayors of Yorkshire have signed historic white rose agreement with the aim to sustain and develop Yorkshire on a national and international level.
Signed by South Yorkshire’s Oliver Coppard, North Yorkshire’s David Skaith and West Yorkshire’s Tracey Brabin at Selby Abbey in the heart of the three counties.
The three mayors were joined and backed by council leaders from the Mayoral Combined Authority area who all supported giving Yorkshire a voice.
The agreement has set out five main points of focus revolving around which are growth, promotion, rail improvement, bus service improvement and community safety across the area that has a combined population of 4.5 million people.
The White Rose Agreement is the first localised agreement of its kind following the government introduced white papers at the end of 2024 giving local mayors more direct power for the first time, with South and West Yorkshire being amongst the areas included.
Also know at the time as “Devolution Resolution”, the White Rose Agreement utilises the principles of this by giving mayors power to make change within their areas.
Mr Coppard said: “As the three Mayors who represent our region, we’re determined to build that future together; to build on the huge opportunities in front of us, and to be tackling our long-standing challenges.”
The three mayors also aim to get Yorkshire recognised on a national and international level through advocacy and championing of the county.
The agreement is already tackling its goal of rail connectivity improvement with the inclusion of Lord David Blunkett who is leading a review into parliament concerning the improvement of connectivity within Yorkshire.
Lord Blunkett said: “Today’s White Rose Agreement is a historic day for Yorkshire and a foundation on which we can build.
“I’m very pleased to work with Yorkshire’s Mayors on this by leading a review on improving rail connections and services for the north.”
Hull and East Yorkshire are also working closely with those involved in the agreement, with plans in the future for them to join the agreement.
