Road writer is on the right route to debate

BREXIT-linked issues and attitudes, and the future of towns such as Oldham, will be discussed by experts including author David Goodhart at an Oldham College discussion next Thursday, June 22.

The event will be held at the college's Grange Theatre building on Rochdale Road, OL9 6AA, from 11am to 12.30pm.

Mr Goodhart has written a book called The Road to Somewhere, in which he argues that there is a growing divide between people with degree-level education and those without. He says the divisions are seen in education, job status, outlook and values.

He argues that, in general, graduates with flexible skills and higher status are enjoying the benefits of an open economy, and value social and geographical mobility. He describes them as 'Anywheres'.

'Somewheres'

In contrast, he describes non-graduates as 'Somewheres' - people who tend to place greater value on their community and home area but have seen these eroded and undervalued by the dominant politics of recent times.

Mr Goodhart argues that the UK's economic and political consensus of the last 30 years has favoured 'Anywheres' but that politics needs to balance the needs of both.

The book has been widely debated in the national media and Oldham College said its event will interest a wide audience.

Mr Goodhart will be joined by a panel of speakers from The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University and The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and vocational education.

Seats are limited, but can be booked online at www.oldham.ac.uk/goodhart

An allocation has been reserved for teachers and schools, and these can be booked by emailing: hannah.lomax@oldham.ac.uk.