Yorkshire’s three Metro Mayors have signed the White Rose Agreement, a new partnership to strengthen economic growth, transport infrastructure, investment, and regional public safety. West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, and York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith formalised the agreement at Selby Abbey, which sits at the border of their three combined authority areas.
The Mayors will collaborate on investment plans, create jobs, and position Yorkshire as a leader in the green industrial sector to drive local economic growth. They also plan to promote the region as a business and tourism hub, seeking to attract international investment and major cultural and sporting events.
Transport is a key focus, and the agreement reinforces their push for Northern Powerhouse Rail, upgrades to the East Coast Mainline, and increased capacity at Leeds, Sheffield, and York stations. They will also work to improve bus services across the region, aiming to better connect towns and cities.
Public safety is another shared priority, with the Mayors planning to coordinate efforts on tackling organised crime, cross-border offences, and violence prevention, particularly in their roles as Police and Crime Commissioners.
The agreement follows the May 2024 mayoral elections, with the three leaders now representing a combined population of 4.5 million. Council leaders from their respective combined authorities have backed the initiative, which they say will harness the power of devolution to deliver tangible benefits.
As part of the agreement, Lord David Blunkett is leading a review of Yorkshire’s transport connectivity, with findings set to be submitted to the government. The Mayors emphasised that by working together, they can take greater control of the region’s future and unlock opportunities for long-term growth.
