NORTH Yorkshire politicians have welcomed the moves to bring devolution to the top of the agenda in the wake of the Scottish referendum.

MPs from across the region have welcomed the no vote, and the Prime Minister’s pledge of devolution for the whole of the UK.

Poverty campaigners at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation have also called for the vote to start a debate on deprivation and equality across the UK.

Chief executive Julia Unwin said: “This result provides an opportunity for a new settlement for people and places in poverty across the UK.

“Any new settlement must take into account the cities, regions and nations and its potential to reduce poverty.

“Devolution on its own will not reduce poverty and any offer of new powers must be judged by the impact it has on poverty, and come as part of a comprehensive strategy to address levels of hardship.”

Ryedale MP Anne McIntosh has also spoken of the need for meaningful devolution, but raised concerns about a focus on urban regions.

She said that as a representative of a large farming area, she wanted to see the county council and the local enterprise partnership given more powers over the area.

Born in Edinburgh, Miss McIntosh said she was personally relieved to see the country of her birth remaining in the union.

She added:“When that poll, which we now know to be a rogue poll, showed a lead for the Yes campaign, that was quite shattering.”

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy has echoed the call, saying: “This is not only an important decision for Scotland, but it also has huge implications for the rest of the Union and particularly where our economy is concerned.

“What the referendum has done is open up a wider debate in the UK on devolution and for me what is paramount is that it is absolutely fair to everyone.”

York’s Scottish-born Lord Mayor Ian Gillies has also welcomed the result, and paid tribute to former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, who resigned yesterday afternoon in the light of the yes campaign’s defeat.

He said: “I think he should be congratulated for doing the appropriate thing.”

Council leader James Alexander praised Mr Salmond’s political commitment, but warned of a return to “business as usual” among Westmister politicians.

He said: “It’s not business as usual, and politicians in Yorkshire including myself will be making demands for fair powers and fair funding.”