Creatures of habit

The reports of the death of cities are greatly exaggerated says Frank McKenna. Only a return to city life will see a quick bounce back for the UK economy, according to the Downtown boss.

READ MORE

Schools Out For-ever?

Welcome though the re-opening of pubs is, Frank McKenna urges government, teachers and councils to prioritise a plan to get our kids back to school. The education lockdown has gone on too long and is damaging the life chances of a generation of children.

READ MORE

Back to the Eighties? No thanks

This week Downtown in Business unveiled its Manifesto for economic Recovery. In his latest blog, Frank McKenna explains why the government needs to think big and be bold if we are to avoid a return to the Eighties – with a nod in the direction (and an apology) to the late, great David Bowie.

READ MORE

Labour Danger

This week Frank McKenna reflects on Keir Starmer’s impressive start to life as Labour leader – but warns that he and the party have a long way to go before winning back the support they need to form a government.

READ MORE

Baby let me drive my car

Frank McKenna warns decision makers that a rush to drive motorists out of their vehicles needs to be accompanied by more than an offer of bikes and buses as cities start to draw up their all-important Recovery Plans.

READ MORE

Can Boris bounce back?

In his latest blog, Frank McKenna warns Boris Johnson that he must find a new way of operating if he is to maintain his position in 10 Downing Street.

READ MORE

Be Prepared

As the government moves towards easing the lockdown, Frank McKenna pleads with them to be better prepared coming out of the crisis than they were going into it.

READ MORE

The Government are managing the crisis badly. Fact.

In his latest blog Frank McKenna explains why giving any government a ‘pass’, even during a crisis, would be an afront to democracy – and outlines why he thinks Boris Johnson and his colleagues are struggling to manage the Coronavirus crisis effectively.

READ MORE

Time for a National Government

In his latest blog Frank McKenna suggests that it is time for the government to call in the support of Tony Blair and other former Prime Ministers if they are serious about casting aside party politics in the current crisis.

READ MORE