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THREAD: We had our first virtual coffee session @IPPRNorth this week to discuss levelling up and regional inequality- a chance to keep talking in the midst of the #COVIDー19 lockdown. Some thoughts from our discussion 1/7
The UK went into this crisis with the highest levels of regional divide in developed world. 
This inequality will leave the North and other regions vulnerable to the impacts of the virus. This makes levelling up more important than ever 2/7 https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/state-of-the-north-2019
This inequality will leave the North and other regions vulnerable to the impacts of the virus. This makes levelling up more important than ever 2/7 https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/state-of-the-north-2019
COVID-19 should not be an excuse for re-centralisation. We are seeing just how important the mayoral & local authorities are in dealing with the crisis. We need an end to austerity & proper funding settlement as part of the exit strategy 3/7
The Shared Prosperity Fund will become even more urgent for the regional recovery effort – along with a revision of local industrial strategies to enable key sectors and economies to recover. 4/7
COVID-19 has revealed the meaningless of distinctions between low and high skilled workers. Treat all work with respect and treat people decently 5/7 https://www.ippr.org/research/publications/decent-work
People, especially younger people & children will be deeply affected by lived experience of lockdown. There will be knock on impacts for health and wellbeing. We need a collective northern effort to help people heal - civil society and public services will play a key role. 5 /7
The North will be a different place after COVID-19 – Perhaps it can help us reshape our economic approach towards a greater appreciation of kindness, community and nature. END
