BCC and Labour leaders meet to discuss key business issues

Today British Chambers of Commerce Director General Adam Marshall and the heads of four other business groups meet with the Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn MP, and senior members of the Shadow Cabinet to discuss the key issues facing businesses across the UK.

At the meeting, set to take place this afternoon (Monday), the BCC will underline the importance of sustained and constructive communication between the Labour Party and business, both at Westminster and across Britain.

BCC Director General Adam Marshall will emphasise the huge contribution businesses of all sizes make to British society and to national prosperity, as well as feedback from business communities across the UK seeking a more positive tone on business issues from Labour, as the major party of opposition.

On Brexit, Marshall will urge opposition leaders to prioritise answers to the many practical questions facing businesses across the UK - and for clarity on Labour's stance on the UK's future relationship with the European Union.

At the same time Marshall will remind opposition leaders that even the best possible Brexit deal won't matter in the longer term if the right conditions aren't in place for enterprise and growth here in the UK. More attention to domestic economic priorities, including training, digital connectivity, infrastructure and long-term industrial strategy is needed to boost business confidence and investment.

Ahead of the meeting, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

"At a time of great change and uncertainty, the relationship between business and political parties across the spectrum is of critical importance. Business communities across Britain want to see sustained, constructive communication with government and opposition alike, with an honest dialogue about both shared interests and issues where we disagree.

"Businesses tell us they want to hear a more positive tone from Labour's leadership, and a clearer acknowledgement that companies of all sizes help create good jobs, thriving communities, and economic prosperity.

"At the same time, businesses want to see the parties at Westminster set aside their differences and unite in the national interest on issues like education, workforce training and better infrastructure, where the UK must do more to stay competitive in a changing world. As the UK prepares to leave the EU, it's time for politicians of all colours to set short-termism aside and come together to fix the foundations for future growth."