Norman Longworth has long been a leading thinker and writer in the field of lifelong learning and learning cities, and has contributed much. The recent riots in England have prompted much discussion of social trends in England, and what is seen by many as a weakening of social bonds and connections, and a weakening of social, moral, and human capital in cities with growing inequality and exclusion.

The questions posed by Norman in the following questionnaire are very relevant to our thinking on the role of learning city initiatives in addressing exclusion and a weakening of social cohesion in a more individualistic global society.  I hope we can respond to these questions in ways that progress the PIE dialogue on building cities that are inclusive, cohesive, and successful. This might either be by responses to all the questions, some of them of particular interest to you, or by supplementary comment on any matters raised by the questions that are of particular interest to you. Please feel free to distribute Norman’s questionnaire in your city to any who may be interested, including community organisations. This is an opportunity for an in-depth discussion of crucial issues for our societies.