Parts of the country have suffered for decades, now we have an opportunity to unite the country
- Neil O’Brien is MP for Harborough and parliamentary undersecretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities
Boris Johnson put levelling up at the heart of his conference speech today. But what is it? The objectives of levelling up are clear. To empower local leaders and communities. To grow the private sector and raise living standards – particularly where they are lower. To spread opportunity and improve public services, particularly where they are lacking. And to restore local pride, whether that is about the way your town centre feels, keeping the streets safe or backing community life.
In his speech, the prime minister also set out what levelling up isn’t. It’s not about cutting down the tall poppies. Not about north v south, or city v town. There are poor places even in affluent regions like the south-east and London.
Neil O’Brien is MP for Harborough and parliamentary undersecretary of state for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities