Political singer-songwriter Billy Bragg has told the nation that York should be the capital of England.

The city's dignitaries have warmly welcomed the views of the singer, whose most famous hit was, ironically, A New England.

In an article published by a national newspaper, he writes that the devolution of Scotland and Wales leaves Westminster unsuitable for the running of England.

"A devolved England cannot flourish in the hothouse atmosphere of Westminster," he claims.

"Everyone agrees that too much power is already centralised in London and the South. If we are serious about devolution, then a new city will have to be chosen to be the capital of England, where the old traditions and the new diversities can find common ground.

"As a Londoner and a southerner I would like to nominate York, a city outside the major metropolitan centres yet with a strong multi-cultural tradition."

York MP Hugh Bayley found the article positive, saying: "York has a strong claim as capital of the North of England. In fact the Archbishop of York is officially the Archbishop of England.

"And the last place Parliament met outside of Westminster was at the King's Manor in York, during the Civil War.

"Billy Bragg has long been a supporter of Labour and a radical intellectual, as well as a rock star and I welcome this serious article.

"The fact that a new Scottish Parliament has been created raises the issue of whether or not the North of England needs a voice of its own.

"York would be ideal for it because it doesn't fall into the same bracket as Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield and Newcastle, which would all be fighting for the honour."

The Lord Mayor of York, Coun Peter Vaughan, said: "Billy Bragg joins a long line of luminaries - including Constantine the Great and King Charles I - in singing York's praises.

"It was George VI who said the history of York was the history of England. York is happy to build on its past successes but is also keen to diversify.

"York is a go-ahead 'happening' city with a quality of life unmatched by most, if any, of Billy Bragg's "major metropolitan centres".

"No-one can second guess what the Government has in mind - if anything - in terms of devolution for England. But one thing is for sure, York is ready for the challenge."

The leader of City of York Council, Coun Rod Hills, added: "I welcome the idea because it would be about devolving power away from London and provide a lot of much-needed jobs.

"And in the new Millennium there isn't the same need for everyone to be in the same place to get things done, with communications the way they are."

Billy Bragg himself was said to be on holiday and unavailable for comment.

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