Why does South West Debates look like this?
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Population Leadership Energy Environment Globalisation
Population Leadership Energy Environment Globalisation

"What are the South West Debates?"

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During extensive consultations on the Regional Economic Strategy in 2005, a number of critical themes were identified as important to the continued development of the regional economy in the future. These themes were:


  • Securing economic growth within environmental limits
  • A growing, ageing and more diverse population
  • Energy challenges
  • Competitive threats and opportunities from globalisation
  • Regional leadership

There is not yet enough understanding of these issues, nor is there agreement as to the way forward. That is the challenge of the South West Debates.

Scoping of these issues, research and dialogue will help us to reach a consensus and shape the next Regional Economic Strategy. We need you to get involved!

You can use this website to find out what is happening in each Debate, to explore issues around the five themes and to tell us what you think. Welcome!

Information and activities for individuals, schools and communities. Features badged events and activities, a weekly poll, provocations from leading regional thinkers, 'killer' facts, case studies and interesting links.

Business leaders will be gathering at the Eden Project to learn how and discuss why 'Business As Usual Is Not An Option'. The conference will explore what makes a sustainable business model in the UK plc of the future with a keynote address from Rt Hon David Cameron MP.....

4.4 million whole apples are thrown away untouched every day in the UK; in total we bin nearly £3 billion worth of perfectly good fruit and vegetables each year......