UK cities left behind by globalisation

Some cities have been hit hard by manufacturing changes

Wednesday, 10, Sep 2008 12:01

Some of Britain's cities risk being left behind by globalisation, the Centre for Cities has warned.

Its report published today calls on politicians to be more "honest" about the prospects of those cities less likely to do well as a result of the changing global economy.

While some are doing well, like Reading and Milton Keynes, others – like Bradford, Doncaster and Belfast – are seeing setbacks in manufacturing and other sectors.

Centre for Cities director Dermot Finch admits that globalisation benefits the UK as a whole but says the changes do not benefit "everyone in every city".

"Globalisation cuts both ways in UK cities," he said.

"Higher-skilled people and well-connected cities tend to gain more from globalisation. That's why Reading has seen jobs and population growth, and Liverpool's employment base and population has shrunk."

Mr Finch believes politicians need to be more open about the impact such changes can have on the country's economic development.

He added: "Politicians cannot and should not reverse this tide of global economic change, but they can be more honest about it - and do more to support the people and places hit hardest by globalisation."