It seems that the Tudors are all the rage in modern politics. In Parliament we have frequent references to Henry VIII’s powers. Now in the devolution debate we have a cry for a ‘Council of the North’ In turbulent times it seems we love the Middle Ages.

Sadly, the past is no place for progress. Advocates for a Council of the North seem to have a misplaced grip on history and geography. The ‘North’ has never been a single unit and one whose boundaries are debatable. Surely, Stoke has a stronger claim to be a northern town than prosperous Chester? Derbyshire fought a long legal battle to keep Chesterfield out of the North.