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The main focus of this issue of 'Adults learning' is on the UK Government's plan for the implementation of the Leitch Review of skills in England (indexed at TD/IRD 88.157). In 'Fit for the future' (pp.9-15) views are canvassed from the three main political parties as well as some of the experts. Bill Rammell, Minister of State for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, explains how the Government plans to meet the challenges of increased global economic competition and rapid technological development to achieve a 'skills revolution' (p.9). Opposite numbers, Sarah Teather, for the Liberal Democrats, and John Hayes, for the Conservatives, outline their views, a mixture of critique and encouragement. In 'Do the brokers know best?' (pp.16-18) Mick Fletcher offers a detailed analysis of the role of brokerage in the 'demand-led' system envisaged by ministers. Tom Schuller in 'Innovation, innovation, innovation' (p.19) asks the question of what the emphasis on 'innovation' in the new, renamed and restructured department for post-16 education really signifies. In 'The view from outer Britain' (pp.20-21), Gareth Rees writes about the distinctive ideological complexions of Scottish and Welsh politics opening up the possibility of radically different approaches to adult learning within the devolved administrations. What difference does social capital really make to the balance of power in communities - Jim Crowther, Lyn Tett and Vivien Edwards ask this question in 'Better together?' (pp.24-26). The Prime Minister has pledged to 'fulfil the potential and realise the talents of all our people', but for a group of disabled learners in Devon the future looks far from bright as discussed in 'Do you mean us, Mr Brown?' (p.27).