The Future of Cities in Britain: a pre-election debate

LSE Cities public debate

This public debate asks the country's leading parties what their policies are on making Britain’s towns and cities more liveable and sustainable. What do their parties' manifestos offer on the built environment, urban development and quality of life? How will the inevitable conflicts between reduction in public expenditure and the need to invest in our urban infrastructure be resolved? What role can British cities play in leading the revolution in the green economy and setting new standards of environmental responsibility?

Tessa Jowell was appointed as Minister for the Olympics and Paymaster General in June 2007. In this role, she has direct responsibility for delivery of the Government's overall Olympic programme and reports to the Prime Minister. She also continues to have responsibility for Humanitarian Assistance, which involves providing care and support to victims of major disasters both at home and abroad. Tessa's previous Ministerial appointments were Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (2001–2007), Minister of State for Employment, Welfare to Work and Equal Opportunities at the Department for Education and Employment (1999–2001) and Minister of State for Public Health at the Department of Health (1997–1999).

Bob was elected as the Member of Parliament for Bromley & Chislehurst in June 2006. This followed the sudden death of The Rt. Hon. Eric Forth. After only a year in Parliament Bob was appointed Shadow London Minister, joining the Shadow Communities & Local Government team. In 2008 he was made Shadow Local Government Minister and Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party and in January 2009, Bob also took over the shadow planning brief. Bob has represented communities across London for nearly thirty years and has a wealth of local government experience. Prior to the creation of the Greater London Authority, he served on the former GLC, representing Romford. Bob also served as a councillor in the London Borough of Havering for 16 years, chairing the Environment and Social Services Committees.

Senior Representative of Liberal Democrat Party (invited).

This event is organized by LSE Cities in collaboration with LSE London.

This event is free and open to all with no ticket required. Entry is on a first come, first served basis. For more information, email events@lse.ac.uk or call 020 7955 6043.

Media queries: please contact the Press Office if you would like to reserve a press seat or have a media query about this event, email pressoffice@lse.ac.uk