Universities key to devolving economic power to regions

The knowledge, expertise and research innovation offered by universities such as Leeds will be vital in devolving more economic power to the regions, according to the Mayor of West Yorkshire. Tracy Brabin made the claims as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer revealed the party's commission into the future of the UK, which recommends giving local communities new powers over skills, transport and planning. The report, led by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, was launched at the Nexus business innovation community at the University of Leeds, and recommends the creation of hundreds of 'clusters' of economic activity in cities and towns across all regions and nations of the United Kingdom. Universities have a key role to play in driving innovation and local economic growth, including here in Leeds. Professor Simone Buitendijk, Vice-Chancellor. Launching the report, Sir Keir said it was good to be back on campus where he spent three happy years as a student. The Leader of the Opposition graduated in 1985 with a first class law degree.