CBI responds to Prime Minister's Conservative Party Conference Speech

Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said:

“Business will be heartened to hear the Prime Minister’s vison and belief in the private sector to create jobs, find innovative solutions to the challenges facing our society and fund high quality public services. They also fully back his ambition to build back better, fairer and greener.

“Commitments to new port infrastructure, offshore wind and lifelong reskilling are particularly welcome. Private investment will flow if matched by the right long-term incentives and regulatory framework.

“The challenge now is to build a bridge from today’s crisis to the Prime Minister’s future vision. Too many firms are overwhelmed by the enormity of the COVID impact on their cashflow and confidence. Government can act today to show a clear and consistent rationale on restrictions; delivering targeted help as the virus’ impact evolves, and ramping up mass testing for the critical months ahead. And there’s no avoiding the importance of delivering a new trade agreement with the EU for our economy.”