Britain is going through a difficult time, when its sustained ability to punch above its weight, economically and diplomatically, is ebbing. The end of irrational exuberance found the country ill at ease with itself, with rising inequalities and unhealthy nationalism, just when it needs to be fleet-footed in recognising that many of the traditional pillars of its strengths have changed. The need is to recognise other supports and partners and find a new common purpose after the pandemic. I live in hope.

get them to come, and they will build

A quite nice twist, I thought, on the much-maligned build it and they will come school of economic thought, which I used whilst speaking at the hilton hotel to make a point about a city that really wants to show its international colours. It all went down very well. You can read it here.

Attached File: City conversation speech.pdf