University of Wales Institute, Cardiff - More abuse for Leunig report

More academic criticism has been heaped on Tim Leunig, the lecturer in economic history at the London School of Economics who received a torrent of public attacks over his claims last month that the regeneration of some northern cities is hopeless (21 August). A report by Rob Huggins, from the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, claims that the economic competitiveness of cities in the north of England has improved since 2006. On the UK Competitiveness Index, a measure of UK regions and cities that has been running since 2000, Liverpool and Salford had both risen by 44 places and Manchester rose by 24 places. Gains were also made by York, Darlington and Durham.