THE North-East is broadly in favour of a regional assembly but most people have only the "haziest idea" of what it might do, according to new research.
The research, which will be discussed at a meeting in Darlington today, concludes that because of the uncertainty of the assembly's role, a powerful "no" campaign could persuade people to vote against the idea in a referendum.
The research has been commissioned by the Labour Party, whose MPs, councillors and members will be discussing it as they begin to gear themselves up for a "yes" campaign in the referendum expected in 2004.
The meeting will address what the research says is the public's "fundamental lack of understanding" of the assembly's role.
Labour believes that if it can demonstrate to people that a directly-elected regional assembly will have a beneficial effect on jobs, housing, transport and quality of life, they will be prepared to vote "yes".
Darlington MP and Health Secretary Alan Milburn will give the keynote speech to the meeting, at the Arts Centre.
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