My Department is leading a new team of experts from Government, business and the community sector to bring the benefits of these technologies to those cut off from the social mainstream. Last, but certainly nor least, skills. London has a unique skills gap. It is a city of extremes. London has more unemployed people than Scotland and Northern Ireland put together but 1 in 5 employers report problems in recruiting the right staff.
Many nations face similar difficulties.
But our competitive position depends on how well we address this fundamental issue. I intend to work with my former colleagues at the Department for Education and Employment on this important issue. We have already asked the National Skills Task Force and the Information Age Partnership to produce a national strategy for meeting the skills needs of these sectors, which we will publish before the summer. The new Greater London Authority will bring a strategic focus that has been sadly lacking for 13 years. And will do so in a way which is democratic and fully in line with business priorities, not least because we will be requiring the GLA to consult business.