This Guardian article http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/may/10/north-east-avoid-becoming-britains-detroit paints a depressing and myopic picture of the North East. It draws upon old references, plays to a London agenda and is the height of lazy journalism. 

It's time the North East fought back against the frequent stereotyping it is subject to. 

Please sign and share this petition to ask Andy Beckett to return to the region with an open mind in order to write a more balanced and representative piece that describes the North East as it actually is. Despite our challenges, it is not grim to live and work here and we are not lacking in opportunities. 

Perhaps if more nationals were to employ journalists in the North, there would be a greater understanding of the economic and cultural backdrop and we would see better educated journalism taking place.