Event Details

A panel discussion in the famous northern coastal town of Morecambe to examine the challenges faced by Morecambe, Blackpool and the surrounding communities and how these can be addressed.

With over 10 million people living in coastal communities across the UK, they are integral to the fabric of our nation, underpinning our cultural heritage and offering unique opportunities for growth and regeneration. However, these communities face obstacles with greater unemployment, health, housing and transport issues than the majority of non-coastal towns. Their future is unclear and requires collaboration and action to realise these opportunities.

Join us, on Wednesday 6th December, for a panel discussion in the famous northern coastal town of Morecambe to examine the challenges faced by Morecambe, Blackpool and the surrounding communities and how these can be addressed by universities, enterprise and both local and national political leaders working in partnership.

The panel will be chaired by Jennifer Williams, Northern England Correspondent, Financial Times and will include:

The Rt Hon Hazel Blears, Former Health Minister and Secretary of State for Communities, and Chair of the Social Investment Business

Jo Rycroft-Malone OBE, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University

Alun Francis OBE, Principal, Blackpool and The Fylde College and Interim Chair of the Social Mobility Commission

Rachel Wolf, Founding Partner, Public First

This event is free and open to all and will include time for questions following the panel discussion.