GIVING power to the regions sounds like a copper-bottomed idea. Granting devolution to such a proud county as Yorkshire sounds even better.

Yet the reality will take a lot of thrashing out.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is a fan and has long been campaigning for regional government - an enthusiasm which at least partly answers the question of exactly what Mr Prescott does in this Government.

His announcement today about a referendum on devolution marks a possible turning point for three northern regions: Yorkshire and Humberside, the north east and the north west.

The Deputy Prime Minister's ardour on this matter is well documented - but such warmth is not yet felt by the Yorkshire public, who appear largely either apathetic or downright hostile.

Doubts about Yorkshire devolution concern the creation of more layers of bureaucracy, worries that a regional parliament would be toothless, and, in North Yorkshire, opposition to the dismantling of the county council to make way for the new government.

At this distant point, the most important aspect is that a referendum would allow people to express their opinion.

Supporters and opponents need to marshal opinion, argue their case eloquently and make sure people vote.

If, as expected, a referendum is held in autumn 2004, it is no good leaving such an important local decision to the box marked "can't be bothered".

While a Yorkshire parliament has not yet generated much in the way of excitement, it could have its merits. If such a body truly represented the region and had real bite, rather than the muffled nip of a committee-bound talking shop, then it could be good for the region.

And if the vote were to be in favour of devolution, there could be no finer or more appropriate base for the new regional government than the city of York.

The city's new council should already be campaigning for any regional government to be cited in the county's ancient capital.

Updated: 11:12 Monday, June 16, 2003