UFT 18: Sir Tom Clarke – Voices from Scotland on EU, Cities and Change
Sir Tom Clarke discusses local governance, economic challenges post-Brexit, and advocating for Scotland's collaboration with Europe through cultural initiatives, highlighting the need for regional representation and community voices in governance.
28.10.2025 12 min
Zusammenfassung & Show Notes
Willkommen zu Urban Future Talks, dem Podcast des Urban Forum – Egon Matzner-Institut für Stadtforschung. Bernhard Müller oder andere Vertreter:innen des Urban Forum sprechen hier regelmäßig mit Expert:innen, Aktivist:innen und Gestalter:innen unserer Städte über aktuelle Themen wie soziale Gerechtigkeit, Mobilität, Baukultur, Urbanisierung, Klimapolitik und demokratische Teilhabe.
Freu dich auf spannende Diskussionen, kritische Perspektiven und wertvolle Impulse für eine lebenswerte urbane Zukunft. Ein Podcast für alle, die Stadt nicht nur erleben, sondern aktiv mitgestalten wollen.
The episode features an in-depth conversation between Bernhard Müller and Sir Tom Clarke, a prominent Scottish politician with a long history of public service, including his time as Culture Minister during Tony Blair's administration. The dialogue emphasizes Clarke's multifaceted career, beginning with his early role as the provost of Monklands from 1974 to 1982. Müller seeks clarity on the term "provost," equating it to a "mayor" in English, and Clarke elaborates on the responsibilities he undertook, highlighting the participatory nature of local governance and the integration of regions within the modern political framework. Transitioning into the broader theme of cooperation between federal and local governments, Clarke shares insights on the state of regional politics in Scotland compared to Austria. He expresses admiration for Austria’s integrated transportation systems but also highlights the need for greater regional input in Scotland, cautioning against the centralization of power in Edinburgh. He stresses the importance of addressing the unique needs and voices of diverse communities across the Scottish regions, from the border cities to the highlands and islands. The conversation shifts to the economic situation in Scottish cities, particularly in light of recent crises such as the financial downturn in 2008-2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Clarke acknowledges the impacts of Brexit, citing the significant divergence between Scotland's remain vote and the overall UK decision to leave the EU. He notes the frustrations stemming from the referendum process, emphasizing the importance of representative democracy over direct plebiscites. Clarke articulates a sentiment of disappointment towards how major political decisions, like Brexit, were framed and their implications on local governance. Further exploring the economic landscape, Clarke draws parallels between the challenges faced by Scottish cities and those in Austria, noting unmet needs in public services and rising poverty rates. He attributes some of these issues to governmental instability and public expectations following the recent leadership changes in the UK. Clarke observes that while there have been efforts to address socio-economic disparities, much work lies ahead to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions in urban areas. In the final segment, Clarke reflects on his participation in the "Scotland in Europe" event held in Vienna. He articulates a hopeful vision for Scotland's role in Europe, despite the ongoing challenges posed by exiting the EU. Clarke advocates for continued collaboration between Scotland and Europe, emphasizing the cultural and creative industries as vital conduits for rebuilding relationships. He signals optimism for a potential future return to the EU and the benefits of shared cultural experiences, underscoring the importance of unity and creativity in fostering cross-border connections. The interview concludes with Clarke expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his views and engage in meaningful discussions about Scotland's future within the European context. This engaging dialogue not only sheds light on Clarke’s perspective on governance and local issues but also serves as a reflective commentary on the evolving relationship between Scotland and the broader European Union.
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