Realising Britain's full potential
Gordon Brown has spoken of "the opportunity revolution" offered to Britain by globalisation.
Speaking at a question and answer session in London, Mr Brown said changes in the way economies operated around the
world meant there was now the greatest chance for social mobility than at any time since 1945.
The UK's big challenges incude security, climate change and the dealing with the power of the internet, but helping
everyone to "unlock their potential to the full" is key, he said.
The PM said:
"We used to talk about national economies in terms of there being limited room at the top and therefore the opportunity
for social mobility was itself limited. In a global economy there's no limit to the national room at the top.
"Good global jobs are going to be created, the opportunities for social mobility are there in a greater way than at any
time since 1945.
"We can build in our countries a higher aspiration culture. The opportunity revolution is one that is unlocking all of
the potential of all of the people."
The Q session coincided with the publication of a major new report into the key long-term strategic challenges for the
country. The report, published today by the Strategy Unit in the Cabinet Office, is the most in-depth analysis of future
challenges yet produced by government, covering the full range of issues from emerging trends in economic globalisation
to social mobility and climate change.
The report states that the country is well placed to address the crucial issues it faces over the next 10 to 15 years.
It concludes that promoting the skills and talents of the people of Britain and improving opportunities for all people,
from early years through to adulthood, will be crucial in responding successfully to the competitive pressures arising
from global changes.
ENDS