Regional cities key to national economic recovery

Conservative MP and Minister of State at the Cabinet, Greg Clark MP called on Liverpool and England’s other great northern cities to reclaim their place at the heart of the British economy during his recent Roscoe Lecture.

     As Minister of State for Cabinet Office, Clark’s responsibilities include cities policy, local growth and political and constitutional reform. During his lecture entitled 'Regeneration and Renewal: A Strategy for Urban Britain', he stated that successful cities were essential for the success of the nation and their vital role as economic, cultural and social powerhouses had grown not diminished in the digital age.

     He harked back to the golden age of cities in the 19th century when the pioneers of urban Britain had transformed the country, thanks to their clear vision for their local communities, which saw them investing in both the economy and also the social, cultural and educational infrastructure required to build strong, cohesive communities.

     This positive view of cities, where what was “delivered locally mattered to the whole country”, changed in the 19th and 20th centuries, he explained, as cities became the "nexus for intractable social problems".

     He stressed that today, policies designed to advance social cohesion were important but that these should not be delivered in isolation but instead alongside economic investment. He then outlined his ten priorities for a successful city. Unsurprisingly as the author of Total Politics, which looks at the decentralisation of political power, he said that cities should reject Whitehall’s drive for conformity and instead celebrate and invest in what makes them unique. Cities should also be liveable places, he said, with excellent education, housing choice and vibrant cultural and leisure sectors as well as a dynamic economy.

     Visionary leadership was also essential as was the ability to think beyond geographical or administrative boundaries to secure inward investment and growth. Liverpool’s forthcoming International Festival for Business would, he said, further enhance the City’s "pulling power around the world".

     After studying Economics at the University of Cambridge, Clark completed his PhD at the London School of Economics. His political career started when he was made Director of Policy for the Conservative Party in March 2001. He was elected MP for Royal Tunbridge Wells in 2005 and then appointed Minister for Cities in July 2011 and Financial Secretary to the Treasury in September 2012.

     Clark has also served as Shadow Secretary of State for both Energy and Climate Change and Charities, Social Enterprises and Volunteering. Before joining the Treasury, he was Minister of State at Communities and Local Government, with responsibilities for decentralisation and planning policy.

Pictured above: Professor David Alton, Director of the Roscoe Foundation, Greg Clark MP, Minister of State at the Cabinet and Professor Nigel Weatherill, LJMU Vice-Chancellor.
Good Citizenship Award

     Rebecca Brunskill, an A Level student at St Edward’s College, received a Good Citizenship Award in recognition of her outstanding voluntary work with organisations including the Schools and Youth Parliaments, the National Citizens Service and her leadership role in the Set Up to Serve project, an all-party initiative suggested by Prince Charles to encourage more young people to volunteer.

     Jeff Dunn, Director of the Schools Parliament, described her as an "inspirational role model". This sentiment was echoed by Greg Clark MP, who commended Rebecca’s achievements by quoting Nelson Mandela, saying: "A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination".

Pictured: Rebecca Brunskill with Greg Clark MP

Clare Doran, Press and Publications Officer, Liverpool John Moores University, T: 0151 231 3004 c.n.doran@ljmu.ac.uk