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.

Over the last year there has been a SW Debate about Globalisation, particularly looking at competiveness threats and opportunities for the region. Find out about the key findings in the Final Action Report...

According to Defra nearly 2m tonnes of textiles are dumped in landfill each year...

Join Debates Live if you're a business or regional stakeholder and find out about workshops and other events

Find out more about the Debates programme

How to join in and have your say!