As the New Year approaches, the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has today published an open letter to the leaders of the UK's largest political parties urging them to put forward their respective visions for a better Britain, in the run up to the most wide-open general election in decades.
The open letter calls for an end to 'tawdry political tactics and point-scoring' of political parties, that is creating greater uncertainty among businesses and putting the UK's future prosperity at risk. A full version of the letter, signed by BCC Director General, John Longworth, is available here.
Extracts from the open letter:
As the New Year approaches, businesspeople across the UK are preparing for the opportunities and obstacles that 2015 will bring. For many businesses, both small and large, one of the greatest sources of challenge and uncertainty in 2015 isn't the state of global markets, but home-grown UK politics.
Political parties must act responsibly
As the leaders of the UK's largest political parties, we call on you to act responsibly in the forthcoming campaign, putting the UK's long-term success over tawdry political tactics and point-scoring. It is the national interest, not your party's electoral interest, which is of greatest importance to businesses and individuals alike.
Devolution and public spending for long-term prosperity
We want a UK with more devolved decision-making, but without artificial new barriers to business and trade. We want public spending based on prudence and long-term stability, not short-term giveaways and gimmicks.
A radical re-think on business tax
We want taxes based on success, not drag-anchors on risk-taking, investment, or the creation of jobs. A drive on reducing the crushing input taxes that dim businesses' ambitions before they turn over a single pound, and maintaining corporation tax at 20pc, would be a sound beginning.
Greater efforts to bridge the gap between education and work
We want to know what you will do to work with business to bridge the yawning gulf between the world of education and the world of work, to improve both the career prospects of our young people and the skills available to worried firms who are unsure where their future talent will come from.
Business support to boost exports
We want to know what you would do differently to boost the UK's global trade performance, by empowering and supporting companies brave enough to sell products and services across the world. A better Britain in 2015 is a nation that trades more confidently, recapturing some of the mercantile spirit of our past.
Conclusion
Most of all, the general election campaign must maintain a relentless focus on policies that deliver prosperity. As businesspeople and voters, we will judge you – the leaders of our political class – on what you help us to achieve.
Yours sincerely
John Longworth
Director General
British Chambers of Commerce
