As the country looks to recover from the continuing challenges presented by COVID-19, a number of key policy priorities have been brought into sharp focus. The pandemic has enabled a level of introspection that we are unaccustomed to, and Government’s promise to ‘build back better’ demonstrates that recovery is not just about defeating the virus, but also tackling broader policy challenges with renewed vigor.

One crucial issue we must confront is regional economic regeneration and the ‘levelling-up’ agenda. COVID-19 has laid bare just how vital it is that we support communities nationwide to revitalise their local environment and build economic resilience. For example, bringing ‘gigabit-capable’ broadband to every home by the end of 2025 becomes ever more important if we are to ensure all regions thrive, particularly in the context of increased home working.