Britain leading from the front

I spent this week at the European Socialist Group's conference in Manchester - a group of around 100 politicians, mainly MEPs, from across Europe, were in the UK to learn about Labour's successes at building communities in a globalised world. Subjects as diverse as climate change, the banking crisis and workers' rights were discussed, and several cabinet ministers were in town to speak at the conference.

It struck me that here was a remarkable example of a British city being held up as an example to the rest of Europe - the week included visits to a local breast cancer clinic, nearby farms, Manchester City Football Club's community projects, and the newly regenerated canalside area.

A key part of the conference was to learn more about Gordon Brown's moves to save the British banking sector - moves where the world is following his lead. Some, like Greg Barker earlier this week, view the UK as the worst placed of Western economies to cope with the crisis, yet clearly politicians from across the continent disagree - rather, EU countries want to LEARN from Britain.

We spend a lot of time talking about what could be done better in this country. Indeed, there are many areas in which more needs to be done. But this week's conference in Manchester is a timely reminder that a lot has already been achieved, and there is much to be proud of.