14. This consultation paper has five main purposes. It is intended to begin both a national debate and a process of change which the Government expects to continue throughout the lifetime of this Parliament and beyond.

15. First, the consultation paper sets out why this country urgently needs a new strategy for lifelong learning. It argues that this is essential if our people, businesses and the nation are to respond to the challenges and opportunities which now face them.

16. Secondly, the paper explains what is meant by lifelong learning in all its rich variety and diversity. Lifelong learning means the continuous development of the skills, knowledge and understanding that are essential for employability and fulfilment.

17. Thirdly, the paper describes who is currently involved in learning and, more importantly, who needs to be drawn into learning in future. Increasing demand for learning - and responding to it with imagination and high standards - will be a major challenge.

18. Fourthly, the paper outlines how the Government intends to carry forward its strategy for lifelong learning through a number of initiatives. Some of these have already been announced; others are in their development stage. They include 500,000 additional people in further and higher education, the New Deal for the young and long-term unemployed, the University for Industry (UfI), individual learning accounts and the National Grid for Learning.

19. Finally, the paper is intended to stimulate responses and ideas from individuals and organisations. These will be invaluable in helping us to shape our plans for the Learning Age.

20. In preparing this consultation paper, we have drawn on many sources. These include, in particular, the reports produced by the following groups:

• the Committee on Widening Participation set up by the Further Education Funding Council (FEFC) and chaired by Helena Kennedy QC (now Baroness Kennedy);

• the committees on 16-19 qualifications and on higher education chaired by Sir Ron (now Lord) Dearing;

• the National Advisory Group for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning chaired by Professor Bob Fryer; and

• the University for Industry Design and Implementation Advisory Group chaired by David Brown of Motorola Ltd.