BACKING for democratically-elected assemblies for English regions, including the North West, has come from Burnley MP Peter Pike.

In April, Burnley Council adopted a motion saying it was the right of English regions to create their own democratically-elected assemblies.

It called on the government for legislation to allow each region the opportunity to demonstrate clear popular consent for the creation of it's own assembly.

Mr Pike said this week: "I agree wholeheartedly with the council and have spoken in the House of Commons in support of democratically-elected assemblies.

"I believe regional government would give us direct influence in Europe and a strong, collective voice to promote a positive image of the North West, at the same time as enabling us to pursue regional priorities that fit with regional aspirations."

Mr Pike said the government was elected on a modernisation mandate and democratically-elected assemblies would be a logical step to achieving that objection.

He said: "I understand that the Deputy Prime Minister is working closely with Stephen Byers (Minister for Trade and Industry and the Regions) to prepare a White Paper on regional governance and this will set the government's proposals."