Yorkshire Party

03/08/2026

An excellent article by our very own Colin Speakman.

Yorkshire Day is about more than celebrating the county – it's a chance to renew the case for meaningful devolution

01/08/2026

Happy Yorkshire Day!

Today we celebrate everything that makes Yorkshire unique – our history, our landscapes, our communities and the people who make this county such a remarkable place to live and work.

With over five million people and an economy larger than many independent nations, Yorkshire has the talent, ambition and identity to shape its own future. Yet too many important decisions affecting our transport, environment, housing, economy and public services are still made elsewhere.

The Yorkshire Party believes Yorkshire deserves a stronger democratic voice and the powers to make more of its own decisions.

Yorkshire Day is not just about celebrating our proud past. It is about looking forward to a cleaner, fairer, more prosperous and more confident Yorkshire for generations to come.

Happy Yorkshire Day to everyone across God’s Own County.

Happy Yorkshire Day from the Yorkshire Party.

29/07/2026

Why regional governance could deliver greater prosperity

Britain's economy isn't just a national problem – it's a regional one. Stronger regional government could be the answer

By John Hall - Alliance for Yorkshire

Britain's economy isn't just a national problem – it's a regional one. Stronger regional government could be the answer

10/07/2026

Does the Yorkshire Party members and followers agree?

Should Yorkshire officially celebrate William the Conqueror?

Recent reports suggest that an international programme is being organised to mark the 1,000th anniversary of William the Conqueror's birth in 2027.

Normandy has every right to celebrate one of its most famous historical figures. The Channel Islands also have their own unique Norman heritage.

But Yorkshire's history is very different.

For our county, William's legacy includes the Harrying of the North, when large parts of Yorkshire were devastated following the Norman Conquest. It remains one of the darkest chapters in our history.

This is not about rewriting history or holding a grudge after nearly a thousand years. History should be studied, understood and remembered.

However, there is a difference between remembering history and officially celebrating it.

If Yorkshire's four metro mayors are ever invited to take part in these commemorations, I hope they will politely decline.

Instead, let us celebrate Yorkshire's own remarkable history, the resilience of our people, and the communities that rebuilt our county after those terrible events.

Yorkshire has much to be proud of. Let's celebrate Yorkshire.

John Hall
Alliance for Yorkshire
www.yorkshirealliance.com

William the Conqueror from the Bayeux Tapestry. Public domain image via Wikimedia Commons (faithful reproduction of an 11th-century work of art). No copyright restrictions apply.

21/06/2026

The Alliance for Yorkshire unites individuals, communities, and organisations across our great region with one clear goal: securing meaningful regional governance for Yorkshire. United by pride in our shared identity and a belief in fair funding, accountable decision-making, and powers exercised closer to the people, we are building a broad and inclusive movement to shape Yorkshire's future — by Yorkshire, for Yorkshire.

If Yorkshire were a country, it would be larger than several European nations and home to more people than many independent states. Like any nation of its size and identity, it would almost certainly have its own national football team.

So, if Yorkshire fielded a national side made up exclusively of players born within the historic county boundaries, what might that team look like? Here's one possible starting XI. What changes would you make? Who deserves a place in the squad? Players below with their place of birth. Let us know if you spot any errors.

28/05/2026

All about the Yorkshire Party

14/05/2026

07/05/2026

Polling station etiquette: the unofficial survival guide…

✅ Bring your own pen or pencil if you don’t trust the communal “democracy biro”.

❌ No selfies inside the polling station. Apparently “duck face with ballot paper” risks national security. You can snap away outside though — preferably looking serious and statesmanlike.

📱 You can tell social media how you voted… just maybe don’t livestream it from booth number 3 while whispering “this is for Britain”.

👕 Political clothing is allowed, but don’t hang around campaigning like it’s Glastonbury for politics.

🤐 No debating candidates inside. The polling station staff will shut down your impromptu Question Time episode very quickly.

🐶 Dogs are usually not allowed unless they’re assistance dogs… although some councils do make exceptions for very good boys.

👶 Kids are welcome — democracy education is encouraged. Just don’t let them “help” by colouring in every box.

🍺 Had a few drinks? You can still vote, as long as you’re not trying to nominate the kebab shop owner for Prime Minister.

♿ Need assistance? Polling staff can help, or you can bring someone with you. Accessibility support should also be available.

📝 Want to spoil your ballot paper? You can. Writing “none of the above are fit to run a bath” is technically allowed.

📋 And those people outside asking for your polling card number? They’re called tellers. You can give them your number… or practice your mysterious spy walk and ignore them completely.

Whatever you do today — vote, don’t vote, spoil your ballot — just remember: no prison sentence is worth a polling booth selfie.

07/05/2026

There are local elections taking place across parts of Yorkshire today — although not every area is voting this time around.

Whoever you support, and whatever your political views may be, I think it’s always important that people use their right to vote. Local councils make decisions that affect all of us in everyday life, so having your say really does matter.

If there’s an election where you live today, please get out and vote.

At the end of the day, democracy only works when people take part.

For local elections in England, voters attending a polling station must show an accepted form of photo ID, such as a passport, photocard driving licence, Blue Badge, older or disabled person’s bus pass, PASS card, biometric residence permit, or a free Voter Authority Certificate; the ID may be expired if the photograph still resembles the voter, but originals only are accepted — not photocopies or phone images — and the name should broadly match the electoral register, with supporting documents available if it has changed.