Listen to the debate from the Battle of Ideas Festival 2018.

In Brexit Britain, much focus has fallen on the divides that cut across generational, educational and class lines. But increasingly there is a new geographical divide that is taking shape – one where voguish metropolitan regions, prosperous urban centres and university towns contrast starkly with vast swathes of territory now labelled ‘left-behind Britain’. Is it still possible to rejuvenate former ports, market towns, coastal resorts and county towns? Should the focus be economic investment or a social and cultural transformation? Do we need a new urban paradigm, or should we create incentives to save, rebuild and inject new life into these urban areas?

DR RUTH DUDLEY EDWARDS

CAROLINE FLINT MP

DAVID GOODHART

MO LOVATT

CHAIR: ALASTAIR DONALD