Will Manchester Merge with Liverpool?
The idea of Manchester merging with Liverpool might seem far-fetched, especially considering the vast distance of approximately 40 miles between the two cities. However, it’s a topic that often sparks curiosity and debate. Let’s delve into the reality behind this speculation.
Geographical and Political Hurdles
The Infeasibility:
There are six council areas in Liverpool and eleven in Manchester. Warrington, a significant barrier, separates these two major cities. Furthermore, both cities lie in different counties, making any form of merger complex and unlikely. The idea of 'Manpool' or a combined entity is not as plausible as it sounds.
No Official Plans for a Merger
Status Quo:
As of the last update in August 2023, there were no official plans for a merger between Manchester and Liverpool. Both cities maintain distinct identities, economies, and cultures. Collaboration on certain regional initiatives does occur, but a merger would be a significant political and social transformation that requires extensive public support and governmental approval.
Another Perspective
Highly Unlikely:
Some individuals might dismiss the idea altogether. For instance, the shortest distance between Liverpool and Manchester is 30.97 miles (49.85 km), yet the cities are perceived to be worlds apart culturally and politically. This is akin to comparing New York and Boston in terms of merging.
Efforts Towards Urban Integration
Metro City Plan:
There have been proposals to create a 'metro city' combining Liverpool and Manchester, but these plans were rejected by the government. The proposed metro city would have been the largest in the country, surpassing London in size. However, the rejection indicates the complex nature of such a significant merger.
Potential for a Wider Super Authority
Regional Unity:
While immediate merger is highly improbable, there is a possibility of a wider regional unity. The 17 unitary authorities in Liverpool and Greater Manchester, along with other unitary authorities in Lancashire and Yorkshire, could form a super authority. It’s argued that Manchester and Liverpool are already deeply intertwined, forming one continuous urban area.
Devolution and Regional Power
Future Possibilities:
The urban region spanned by Manchester and Liverpool is similar in size to Greater London, with about 7 million people. Devolution in England might lead to the creation of a North West City Region council, granting more power and economic influence to the region. This could potentially lead to a more integrated governance structure, although the immediate merger remains unlikely.
In conclusion, the merger of Manchester and Liverpool is highly improbable in the short term. However, the potential for a wider urban integration or a super authority could be a more realistic scenario in the future. The focus remains on creating a unified and more powerful region that secedes some power and economic influence from London.