UK business demands bold action from new government on infrastructure and skills

British Chamber of Commerce urges Prime Minister to renew commitment to airport capacity, road, rail, energy and communications enhancements as one of six critical issues for UK future.

Antony Oliver
11 May 2015

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Prime Minister David Cameron must take “ambitious” steps to continue to the Coalition governments commitment to delivering the public and private investment needed to enhance road, rail, energy and communications enhancements across the UK, according to British Chamber of Commerce director general John Longworth.

In an open letter to Cameron on behalf of BCC members, Longworth also demanded “irreversible commitments to new airport capacity in the South East of England” and a rapid decision following publication of the Davies Commission aviation capacity review promised before the Election.

Cameron must “fight the Whitehall culture of incrementalism, risk-aversion and inertia that stops much-needed change."

John Longworth, 

British Chamber of Commerce 

The Prime Minister, he said, must “fight the Whitehall culture of incrementalism, risk-aversion and inertia that stops much-needed change. Only then can business and government, together, work to ensure that a prosperous, confident UK can pay its way in the world for decades to come”, he said.

The letter from Longworth demanded bold action across six issues the BCC said “will determine the UK’s economic future” and could be achieved with the strengthened post Election Tory mandate.

The six issues were highlighted as: 

Public spending: “Growth, not austerity, should be the watchword as you continue the difficult work of eliminating the deficit.”

Trade:  “business wants a long-term partnership with government to kindle an export revolution. The independent Cole Commission’s recommendations should be your compass.”

Talent: “business and government must also do more together to equip young people for the world of work and enterprise. 

Investment: “do not be afraid to create bold tax incentives for UK companies that make long-term investments in people, plant, premises and export growth. 

Europe: “Business wants fundamental reform of the UK’s relationship with the EU”

Infrastructure: “irreversible commitments to new airport capacity in the South East of England – and to the delivery of the positive road, rail, energy and communications enhancements announced during the last parliament.”