For more than two decades Core Cities UK has been urging successive governments to fulfil the potential of UK cities and city regions by giving them greater freedoms and controls. During party conference season we launched Core Cities UK 2030 Global Success, Local Prosperity which begins by imagining a future where our policy ideas have been implemented and the UK of 2030 is reaping the benefits of economic and social growth.

In a dozen years' time the UK's economy is geographically rebalanced, our state is smarter and joined up, and our citizens more engaged in democracy. Our places are benefiting from improved infrastructure, and we have recovered from Brexit and are helping the UK seek out new markets and opportunities. Our workforces are better skilled and educated, and cities continue to be diverse, welcoming and friendly places.