CABINET OFFICE News
Release (CAB/010/08) issued by The Government News Network on 8
February 2008
A comprehensive
assessment of the key long-term strategic challenges facing the
people of Britain is published today by the Strategy Unit in the
Cabinet Office. The report is the most in-depth analysis of future
challenges yet produced by government, covering the full range of
issues facing the country from emerging trends in economic
globalisation to social mobility, public service reform, family
change, demography and climate change.
Drawing on an analysis of trends and future projections from
inside and outside government, Realising Britain's Potential:
Future Strategic Challenges for Britain argues that the country is
well placed to address the crucial issues facing Britain over the
next ten to 15 years. The report identifies future challenges and
opportunities that cut across traditional policy and departmental boundaries:
* Globalisation;
* Economic prosperity;
* Life chances, talent and social mobility;
* The ageing and increasing diversity of the population;
* Family life and communities;
* Crime and public safety; `
* Public services;
* Climate change; and,
* Renewal of the constitution and our democratic institutions.
The report concludes that promoting the skills and talents of the
people of Britain, improving opportunities to succeed from early
years through to adulthood, will be crucial in responding
successfully to the competitive pressures global changes will
place on Britain over the coming years.
Welcoming the report, Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:
"In the coming decades, the underlying issue for our country
is how we make the most of the opportunities presented by this new
phase of globalisation, reducing the risks it brings and sharing
the benefits more broadly. For this reason, I asked the Strategy
Unit to assess the key strategic trends facing Britain. Their
report presents a detailed analysis and identifies some of the
changes that, together, we will have to prepare for.
"The report shows us that the real success stories in the
coming years will be those nations that harness the skills of
their people, attracting more than their share of the top global
jobs and mobilising the talents of all. I have referred to this as
the Skills Race - a race we can win, and we must win."
Further challenges to government and society will come in the
form of an expanding and ageing population, shifting family
structures, and the rising expectations of the public when it
comes to access to information and services, the report says.
In response, the report suggests public services will need to
continue to become more tailored and personalised to individual
needs, with greater emphasis on innovation, empowering the skills
of frontline staff, and effective collaboration between service
providers and the public.
On the international stage, Britain must build on progress
already achieved by acting as a world leader in responding to the
challenge of climate change. The Government must also continue to
bear down decisively on the crimes that most concern the public
and effectively implement strategies to combat the terrorism
threat both at home and abroad.
Finally, the report underlines the importance of making sure our
democratic institutions are seen as responsive, representative and
relevant to all citizens in order to encourage the widest possible participation.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. As a piece of Strategy Unit work, the Realising Britain's
Potential: Future Strategic Challenges for Britain report does not
constitute a statement of Government policy. A full copy can be
found at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy/work_areas/strategic_challenges0208.aspx
2. This piece of work was commissioned from the Strategy Unit
last year by the Prime Minister to assess the parameters within
which Government - as well as business, communities, families and
individuals - would be operating in the next ten to fifteen years
and beyond.
3. The Strategy Unit in the Cabinet Office provides strategic
advice to No10 and departments, typically on issues that cut
across traditional departmental boundaries. For more information,
please go to: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/strategy.aspx
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