A Tyneside MP has warned that apathy with the Labour party could increase in its North heartlands unless the regions were given more say over their own affairs.

The Queen's Speech in November announced a three-track agenda for Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, whose long held goal of regional devolution moved a step closer.

The North East is likely to be first region to hold a referendum on whether it wants its own assemblies, but many feel the North is being forgotten as the government looks to the South East for growth.

Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins said: "If the heartlands of the North feel neglected, feel they are on the course of "run-down", that will make people very disappointed.

That is what regional governments are about - making central government much more accountable and fairer John Prescott

"It will cause people to consider their political allegiances.

"They will stay at home, and if you look at the evidence we are seeing in some elections in the North, you can see the real dangers.

"We don't have a joined-up regional policy.

"In a top-heavy, top-down, country like this, regions can't grow unless they get support from the centre, unless the activities of the centre are moved out to the regions."

Pressure eased

Since 1997, Labour's constitutional reforms have included devolution for Scotland and Wales.

Now the English regions are in line to decide whether they want elected assemblies to take some of the decisions now taken in Whitehall.

On Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said he was in favour of decentralising government offices to different parts of the country as part of his plan to ease pressure on south-east England.

He said: "It makes a lot of sense particularly when we have a lot of pressure in the south and less pressure in the north."

"Regions supporter"

Speaking on BBC1's Politics Show Mr Prescott reiterated his support for more powerful regional governments.

He said: "When you get regional Government coming along there will be more calls for demands and controls within the region itself.

"It is one of the reasons I have always been a strong supporter of regional government.

"I think regional Government will empower the regions much more effectively against the central control of government.

"That is what regional governments are about - making central government much more accountable and fairer."