The Northern Agenda’s first live conference took place in March, featuring wide-ranging discussions and insights about the big issues facing the North of England today.
The five-hour event featured speeches by Conservative Levelling Up Minister Neil O’Brien and Labour’s Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy. Though they set out different visions for the North, they both agreed that the current system of centralised government in Westminster is holding the region back.
The event also included four panel discussions on a wide range of issues affecting communities in the North, such as child poverty and educational inequalities. Other sessions focussed on how and whether the North can speak with one voice, as well as the region's crucial role in helping the UK hit its net-zero targets.
The Northern Agenda Live took place in Newcastle and all sessions were recorded. To hear the discussions in full, please follow the YouTube links below:
- Lisa Nandy’s speech
- Neil O’Brien’s speech
- Panel discussion: Can the North thrive if it’s poor and unhealthy?
- Panel discussion: Can and should the North speak with one voice?
- Q&A session with Anne Longfield, Chair of the Commission on Young Lives and former Children's Commissioner for England
- Panel discussion: How can the North lead on the green agenda?
- Panel discussion: How do we level up the North’s skills and education?