This one-off episode is a recording of "‘Levelling up’ or ‘Left-behind’? Restoring opportunity in UK society – In conversation with Fiona Hill" event, organised by UCL Grand Challenges and UCL Public Policy. This event, introduced by Sarah Chaytor, UCL’s Director of Research Strategy & Policy, was a conversation with Fiona Hill, Former Advisor to US President Donald Trump, and John Tomaney, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning UCL.

Geographical inequalities in the UK are not new, with the making of ‘left-behind’ places reflecting the pattern of post-industrial growth. As well as suffering economic disadvantage, people in left behind places are more likely to feel disenfranchised, ignored, sceptical about politics and there is evidence that previously strong communal bonds are fraying.

Major public policy interventions are required, as evidenced in the recent UK Government Levelling Up White Paper. However, to understand the complex patterns of inequalities within places, deeper understanding of places and the close linkages between economics and social networks are required. Fiona Hill and John Tomaney used the example of County Durham, drawing upon personal experiences and research, to discuss policy solutions and how we can return hope to ‘left-behind’ places.

For more information: www.ucl.ac.uk/grand-challenges/events/2022/jul/levelling-or-left-behind-conversation-fiona-hill

Date of episode recording: 2022-07-12

Duration: 59.45

Language of episode: English

Presenter: Sarah Chaytor, UCL’s Director of Research Strategy & Policy

Guests: Fiona Hill, Former Advisor to US President Donald Trump; John Tomaney, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning UCL.

Producer: Eleanor Mason