will today urge business to
look forward with ‘rational optimism’ to a new chapter in
Britain’s economy.
In a speech to the CBI conference, the Prime Minister will say
that – with hard work, imagination and commitment by Government
and industry – there are ‘huge opportunities’ ahead over the next
decade.
Mrs May will say the Industrial Strategy will have a key role to
play in ensuring all aspects of the UK’s free market economy
delivers economic and social progress for everyone in society.
Ahead of the publication of the Industrial Strategy White Paper
later this month, the Prime Minister will also use this
opportunity to talk through the underlying principles of the
strategy.
The Prime Minister is expected to say:
‘Our job now is to look to the future. If the last ten years have
seen us weathering the storm of the financial crisis rebuilding
our fiscal and economic position, the next ten years must see the
beginning of a new chapter in the story of the British economy.
‘So today I want to talk about my vision for the stronger,
fairer, and better-balanced economy we need to build in the years
ahead. An economy which builds on its strengths and can compete
in the world… central to this plan is our modern Industrial
Strategy.
‘…By setting the right frameworks, and investing in skills and
infrastructure, we can help broaden our economic base, build a
more balanced economy and make Britain a true global leader.
‘We cannot – and will not try – to make a plan for every corner
of our economy. We believe in the free market and won’t attempt
to shield the economy from market forces. So we will have to make
strategic decisions about where the government can – and where it
cannot – best support key sectors of our economy.
‘Such an approach avoids the failed state interventionism of the
1970s. But it also learns from the past failures of governments
to give sectors and places across the country the long-term
support they need to cope with economic change and compete in a
changing global market place.’
On building a better future the Prime Minister will say:
‘So as we look ahead to the next ten years for Britain’s economy,
we should do so as rational optimists. There are huge
opportunities ahead. Making the most of them will demand hard
work, imagination, and commitment.
‘But Britain has succeeded in the past when we have been
confident in our strengths and bold in our action. When we have
backed the ambition of our wealth-creators, who use their talent,
hard work and skill to take a chance, to grow a business and to
spread economic opportunity to others.
‘With the right economic foundations, a balanced approach to
public spending, the best Brexit deal, the right long-term
frameworks and incentives for business and our wealth creators
given the freedom and support to thrive, and Government playing a
strategic role in support of economic growth right across the
United Kingdom, I am convinced that we can and will make the most
of those opportunities, and build a better future for everyone in
our country.’
Mrs May will also use this opportunity to talk about the recent
progress made in the exit negotiations and her determination to
provide as much certainty as possible as the UK leaves the
European Union, setting out that:
‘Our EU negotiating team is now preparing for the next phase, and
I particularly welcome the beginning of internal discussions
among the EU 27 about their position on our future relationship
and the implementation period. When sufficient progress is agreed
we want to move as quickly as possible on both of these issues.
‘Throughout this process, I have been determined to give business
and industry as much certainty as possible. Achieving that
maximum certainty was the first objective I set in my Lancaster
House speech in January and it has remained fundamental to the
Government’s negotiations to date.
‘We want to forge an ambitious economic partnership, out of the
Single Market but with a new balance of rights and
responsibilities between us and the European Union. One which
respects the freedoms and principles of the EU, and the wishes of
the British people.
‘We should be excited by the possibilities which this new
relationship presents for the future, just as we are realistic in
acknowledging that it will take time to finalise.
‘I have made clear that a strictly time-limited implementation
period will be crucial to our future success. I know how
important it is for business and industry not to face a
cliff-edge and to have the time it needs to plan and prepare for
the new arrangements.
‘During this period our access to one another’s markets should
continue on current terms, and I want us to agree the detailed
arrangements for this period as early as possible. But we should
also be able to develop our relationships with countries outside
the EU in new ways, including through our own trade
negotiations.’
