THE team leading the campaign for an elected regional assembly in the North-East has warned the House of Lords against a "cynical" attempt to block the bill that would lead to a referendum on the issue.

Following the passage of the referendum orders through the House of Commons on Monday, the Parliamentary orders must be passed by peers tomorrow, before Parliament rises for the summer, to allow the ballot in November.

Opponents of regional assemblies in the North-East, Yorkshire and the North-West have been accused of planning delaying tactics to stop the orders going through.

Professor John Tomaney, chairman of Yes4theNorthEast, said: "It would be cynical and outrageous if unelected members of the House of Lords, mainly from the South of England, were to deny the people of the North-East the chance to choose if we want a North-East regional assembly.

"It is this kind of patronising attitude towards the North-East from London-based politicians which has led to the need for an assembly, which would mean a shift in power and influence away from Whitehall and into the region."

The Yes campaign expects the assembly to be given powers for economic development, transport, skills and training, housing, culture and sport, fire and rescue services, public health and environment.

Opponents argue it will be another costly tier of local government that will have limited decision-making powers.

Two weeks ago, members of the region's business and academic communities launched the NorthEast Says No campaign.

Member Sir Tom Cowie said: "As someone who has lived and worked in the North-East for the whole of my life, I understand that the North-East has its issues, but a regional assembly is not the answer.