The CBI has given its full response to the Queen’s
Speech.
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General,
said:
“It’s good to see that the recent heatwave has warmed
the Government’s view of business and its contribution to
people’s lives. But this welcome change in tone needs to be
backed by clarity and action now. Firms will expect all
politicians to put pragmatism before politics, starting with
Brexit.
“Fast action on Industrial Strategy, skills and
infrastructure will show that the UK is a great place to do
business. But now it’s all about pace.”
On Brexit, Carolyn
said:
“The Government’s focus on a deep
and special relationship will help secure a deal that works for
everyone in the UK. The ingredients that business need to make a
success of Brexit have not changed.
“The Bills that have been outlined will go some way
to providing the framework for what happens when the UK leaves
the EU. What matters now is meaningful progress in the
negotiations. A top priority must be to maintain the full
economic benefits of the Single Market and Customs Union until a
final settlement is agreed and implemented is
key.
“If the Government moves forward in real partnership
with business, drawing on its expertise, it will be in a strong
position to protect and strengthen the UK’s economy during this
vital period and beyond.”
On trade and customs, Carolyn
said:
“Businesses will welcome the ambitions set out in the
Trade Bill and embrace the opportunities of a global trade
agenda, but will want to see a clear strategy for achieving this.
“The number one priority has to be the relationship
with the EU and delivering frictionless trade. Companies will be
seeking to understand how the Customs Bill relates to the Brexit
negotiations. They will not want to see a Bill that puts up
barriers between the UK and our closest trading
partners.”
On immigration, Carolyn said:
“A growing, global Britain needs to have access to
the best talent from around the world, while continuing to build
the UK’s domestic skills base. The Government can both control
migration and support economic growth.
“Employers now urgently need clarity on what a new
system will look like - such as the inclusion of a preferential
route for EU migrants - as it will affect their willingness to
invest in the UK.
“If the UK is to be able to meet changing labour
needs, a blunt cap is the wrong approach. Business and the
Government should work together to build a model that’s fit for
purpose.”
On workers’ rights, Carolyn
said:
“The UK’s flexible labour market has helped create
more jobs than ever before, and our world-leading corporate
governance system has helped us to run our businesses in a way
that delivers prosperity and fairness.
“Firms believe that practices must continue to evolve
to raise productivity and increase trust. The Government
must support businesses to protect the UK’s strengths, while
enhancing responsible business practice.”
On energy, Carolyn
said:
“Putting customers at the heart of the energy market
is a must. Major market interventions aren't the answer, and it
is crucial that the Government, regulators and industry work
together to empower customers and help them to manage
bills.”
On infrastructure, Carolyn
said:
“Infrastructure is a key driver of productivity,
which matters for living standards. Day in, day out, Britain’s
businesses rely on our roads, railways and runways to move their
goods, services and people up and down the country.
“With spades due to hit the ground for the first
phase of HS2, we welcome plans to build a connection to
Crewe. Now we have had decisions on several infrastructure
projects, we need to take it up a gear - we need action, not
words and delivery, not delay.”
On social care, Carolyn
said:
“Companies providing social care will welcome the
consultation, but ultimately meaningful action is needed on
funding and reform.”
