This is just time for a few comments from Mexico City where I lead the UK delgation to the Congress of the World LGA (UCLG). It is really good to be part of a worldwide movement. Some things are so different yet so many thinsg are the same from nation to nation.
We must never forget in the UK that we are part of a much wider gobal society. My own city of Liverpool has so many links with all over the world that a disater anyhwere hits home to some one at home.
We are bound togetehr by the need to look at
Globalisation
Problems with Banking
Climate change
Problems of water
Increased urbanisation
Increased urban poverty
Some would say that these issues are ones that are best left to central government. However when I look at what local government could do if we work and act together I dispute that.
Wherever you are in the world it is lcoal governmen t that is clsoest to the people and which can work with the people to effect change. Over the next few days and when I return home I will try and give you a flavour of this and look around the World at solutions
But what does Richard Kemp think? 