Arguments about the need to “level up” Britain with a new distribution of wealth and power have become a staple of political debate. But while the phrase is common, ideas about what it actually means are remarkably scarce. So too are clear definitions of the problem, and solutions to that problem.
At this SMF Ask the Expert webinar, helped to fill these gaps with the help of some of Britain’s leading authorities on regional inequality, connectivity and governance. Thanks to our partnership with UK Research and Innovation, we were joined by Professor Philip McCann of Sheffield University, one of our country’s foremost economic geographers.
Professor McCann outlined how more devolution could help address Britain’s very high interregional inequalities – and the challenges to doing so. He explained why many of the currently popular narratives around regional inequality are wrong.
He was joined by Lead Economist at Midlands Connect, Henry Kelly, Shadow Minister for Sport and Culture, Alison McGovern MP, and SMF Director, James Kirkup (Chair).
Speakers
Professor Philip McCann, Chair in Urban and Regional Economics, Sheffield University & Co-Director of the Productivity Insights Network
Henry Kelly, Lead Economist, Midlands Connect
Alison McGovern, Shadow Minister for Culture & Sport and MP for Wirral South
James Kirkup, Director, Social Market Foundation
Our Ask the Expert series, in association with UK Research and Innovation, brings academic research on public policy into the heart of Westminster.
Follow the Ask the Expert series on Twitter: @SMFthinktank @UKRI_News #SMFAsk
