Local MP urges councils to push forward on devolution to quell “fears of being left behind” as Prime Minister backs benefits

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North, has called upon councils to push forward on a devolution deal for Milton Keynes, Luton, and Bedfordshire to squash fears that the region will be “left behind”. Speaking in the House of Commons yesterday, Chris Curtis observed that “Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire is a bit of the country with a lot going on”, going on to name a landmark new hospital for Milton Keynes, the expansion of London Luton Airport, a new railway link between Oxford and Cambridge, the development of the internationally significant Universal Studios theme park in Bedfordshire, and major new housing developments. However, he noted that there was a “fear of being left behind” if a devolution deal was not in place to co-ordinate and support these enormous projects, calling upon local councils to push forward and secure an agreement “as quickly as possible”.

Alongside local councillors and other city MPs, Chris Curtis has been calling for a devolution agreement for Milton Keynes City Council, Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council, and Bedford Borough Council that would see the four local authorities working together on strategic projects across the rapidly-growing region, whilst each retaining their own unitary council.

In response, Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated that benefits of devolution are “undeniable… when it comes to growth”, underlining the need to progress a deal quickly to take advantage of upcoming investment.

Securing a devolution deal for Milton Keynes and Bedfordshire (BLMK) would allow us to take full advantage of every penny of investment into our busy patch of the world. Whilst we’d retain full control of our own city, we’d be able to work closely with strategic partners and local authority to secure good growth in every part of the four councils, which are already aligned on so many important issues – it’s ready to hit the ground running, and I urge all councils involved to come together and get it over the line.

Chris Curtis, Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes North.

MK Labour Group took a motion to a Milton Keynes City Council meeting in June last year,  recognising the huge opportunity for the city that a Strategic Combined Authority with a directly elected Mayor across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes could create. This was also backed recently by the new Council Leader.

Milton Keynes City Council made its position clear when it backed a motion supporting devolution and backing a BLMK Mayoral Authority back in June 2025, and now we need to get on and work with our bordering councils to back and deliver it. With huge projects on the way and continued successful growth across our region, now is the time to ensure our local communities have a stronger voice in shaping their future. Many people would be surprised by how many decisions affecting Milton Keynes are still taken nationally rather than locally and are out of local people’s hands. Devolution would bring powers and funding closer, giving local people a greater say over issues such as transport, housing and economic growth. This is not about taking power away from Milton Keynes. Our city would retain its identity and local decision making, while opening an opportunity to work in partnership with our neighbours on the strategic challenges and opportunities we share.

Cllr. Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council.