In praise of centralism - A critique of the new localism

David Walker, Catalyst Forum, 32 pages, paperback, £5.00

This is a provocative pamphlet attacking the perils of the apparently popular "new localism" which, argues Guardian journalist David Walker, will not ensure progressive policies and risks making inequality worse.

New localists criticise central control and support diversity, but Walker reminds us that not all diversity is positive. After all, as he points out, the market produces diverse patterns of wealth and poverty.

National standards can also help protect groups who lack resources or suffer discrimination. Walker concludes that "localists and advocates of regionalism need to beware of becoming stalking horses for smaller and weaker government."