It is widely acknowledged that adult education and lifelong learning are becoming more important than ever. Several universities in Britain are responding, by placing lifelong learning at the centre of their university strategy for the institution as a whole. But it will take investment to bring about the sort of change required, and to develop the new provision. The university sector in Britain is facing a financial squeeze, with costs rising faster than income. Some universities may therefore think that even the modest investments required are not affordable. It is vital that the government steps in to ensure that these opportunities are not lost. Many of the government's own priorities will be far more likely to be delivered if we can usher in a new era of adult education and lifelong learning -- from overcoming the well-being and mental health crisis, to boosting innovation and productivity, to tackling the climate crisis.