Brexit, devolution and economic development in 'left-behind' regions

Abstract

The Brexit vote in the UK, according to Andres Rodriguez-Pose (2018), is an instance of the revenge of the ‘places that don’t matter’. This expression of discontent from places at the sharp end of rising social and spatial inequalities has fostered the rapid rise of populism that is challenging the hegemony of neoliberal capitalism and liberal democracy. This paper considers the problems of these so-called ‘left-behind’ places – typically former industrial regions. Such places figured prominently not just among those that voted leave in the Brexit referendum in the UK, but also among those who voted for Donald Trump in the 2016 in the US, and for Marine Le Pen in 2017 in France in their respective presidential elections. In this context, this paper’s aims are fourfold. First, we outline the political economy of ‘left-behind’ regions. Second, we offer a critical account of recent efforts to ‘regenerate’ deindustrialised regions. Third, we describe new policy prescriptions for ‘left-behind’ regions attracting the attention of policymakers. Finally, the politics of local and regional economic development are considered, including the kinds of institutions are required to affect a new economic future in such disadvantaged places.