Lifelong Learning in Challenging Times

In the wake of the general election, the new government--and the United Kingdom--face a range of pressing challenges. In this article, the author sets out what he believes to be the principal challenges and calls for action to create a learning society. The agenda set out would, if followed by the new government, pave the way to a genuine learning society. The main challenges the government will face going into a new Parliament are: (1) Financial; (2) Demographic; (3) Technological; (4) Environmental; (5) Social; and (6) Democratic. To meet these challenges, the author believes the United Kingdom needs an adult population that is: confident and capable; engaged and empowered; enterprising and curious; cultured and reflective; and tolerant and inclusive.