Education is vital in order to resist protectionist pressures that threaten open markets and free trade, British chancellor Gordon Brown said today.
In what is likely to be his last big public appearance as chancellor before he takes over from Tony Blair as prime minister on June 27th, he told the annual Mansion House dinner for the City of London's financial elite that Britain had to be ready to be more flexible.
"So let me say as I begin my new job, I want to continue to work with you in helping you do yours. I want to listen to what you say," he told the assembled bankers.
"Always recognising your international success is critical to that of Britain's overall and considering together the things that we must do - and just as important, things we should not do - to maintain our competitiveness."
But Mr Brown said that failing to train people effectively for the skills they need in the modern world means people will see themselves as victims, not beneficiaries, of globalisation that will threaten free trade and flexible markets.
"Indeed, this is what we are already seeing in the US, parts of Europe and Asia. So the choice for me is clear: invest in education, to prevent protectionism."
Mr Brown has already pledged more cash for education and called for more skills training through public and private partnerships.
"We need a renewed focus on setting by ability in the key subjects essential to our competitiveness like maths, English, science and languages as the norm in all our schools; we need pupils increasingly assessed on these subjects by stage, when they are ready to move on to the next level," he said.
Mr Brown, dressed as usual in his everyday work suit at the black-tie event, joked with the bankers about his dress code.
He said he had one piece of advice for his successor: "When you give the Mansion House speech, wear a black tie."