Manchester has shown “resilience” in the face of terrorism to extend its lead over London in a global “liveability” ranking.
The northern city has risen 16 places to take the 35th spot in the annual report, whereas the capital is in 48th place.
Vienna has displaced Melbourne as the world’s most liveable city, while Damascus remains bottom of the list.
The ranking was compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
Roxana Slavcheva, editor of the survey, said: “An improved security score has meant that Manchester has pulled further ahead in the liveability index, leading London by a record 13 places.
“What is more, Manchester also represents a regional trend over the past year, where there have been notable improvements in security in several western European cities which have shown resilience in their recovery from terrorist attacks.
“It remains to be seen whether the impact of Brexit will have consequences for the two UK cities in the ranking.”
Twenty-two people were killed in a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on May 22 2017.
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