Devolution demands grow louder

The newly opened Gateshead Millennium Bridge

As Northern Ireland struggles to keep its assembly afloat, other parts of the United Kingdom are still awaiting their turn on the rollercoaster of devolution.

The Government has so far been reluctant to hold referendums on regional assemblies in England, but is coming under increasing pressure to do so.

Our reporter on regional politics Luke Walton joined the Welsh First Minister, Rhodri Morgan, in Gateshead, where he was offering his supprt to their campaign for regional government.

The politics and economics of the north east of engalanbd is remarkably like Wales

Rhodri Morgan, Welsh First MinisterName Here

Despite the mood of camaraderie between the Welsh First Minister and devolution campaigners in Gateshead, there is cause for friction.

According to Ian Mearns of the campaign for a north-east assembly, it puts regions like his at a disadvantage.

We've got to be on a level playing field. The people of the North East have been stoic for too long

Ian Mearns, north east campaigner

The Government says areas can only move to assembly referendums when there's clear evidence of local demand. Satisfying ministers on that point has proved difficult.

Overcoming Downing Street's scepticism won't be easy - especially after that wafer-thin victory in the Welsh referendum.

The doubts extend beyond Westminster - among those entertaining Rhodri Morgan last night was Teesside poet Andy Croft. He questions the depth of public support:

Jobs for little men in big suits who belong to the Labour party on Tyneside

Teeside poet Andy Croft

That's not the view of most devolution supporters. But this is increasingly an England-wide question. From Manchester to Plymouth, Birmingham to York - regional blueprints are being drawn up.

And as they joined the Durham miners gala. They held banners goading Tony Blair and proudly flew the medieval Northumbrian flag of Saint Oswald. A symbol of pride in local traditions. Transforming that into confidence in the future is now the challenge.