CAMPAIGNERS from a Yorkshire political party have claimed the Scottish independence debate has helped raise the issue of devolution for Yorkshire.

Richard Carter, Leader of Yorkshire First, said the build-up to the referendum had prompted the start of a conversation about new powers for the county.

He added: “Such a conversation is certainly needed.

“Yorkshire has a similar population to Scotland and an economy almost double that of Wales and it’s about time Yorkshire had similar powers.

“We also need to rebalance the UK economy. We discovered this week that two of the poorest regions in Northern Europe are in Yorkshire whilst London has a disproportionate share of the nation’s wealth.

“As part of the campaign to get the region to have the decision making powers to shape its own future we have launched the ‘Yorkshire Pledge’.

“The plan with the pledge is to get as many signatures as possible over the coming weeks and months in order to put pressure on politicians and Westminster-based political parties.”