CBI responds to the Prime Minister's speech in the West Midlands - April 2025

Louise Hellem, Chief Economist, CBI, said: 

“The Prime Minister has rightly pledged the UK’s ongoing commitment to the principles of free, fair and open trade as well as promising to go further and faster to support businesses, as the UK and the rest of the world face this difficult period of global instability.  

“In challenging times we need positive leadership that is brave, bold and optimistic. 2025 is truly crunch time for growth. Against the volatile backdrop of new trade tariffs, the government’s economic policies at home will be put to the test. 

“Revisions to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate demonstrate the government is able to be agile when necessary, while staying committed to the UK’s goals on net zero. But given the severity of tariffs, the government will need to continue engaging constructively with companies across the supply chain over the coming weeks and months. 

“The initiatives to speed up clinical trials and fund research with NHS data for the public good are welcome moves that can help to turbocharge our economy through support for our world-beating, high growth life sciences sector. 

“In addition, the government should take a whole economy view and use this moment to reflect on what it can do to reduce existing burdens on business – whether that is through smarter regulation, thinking again on the Employment Rights Bill, or more radical efforts to cut bureaucracy and remove barriers to growth. 

“Business stands firmly beside the government in championing the UK in these uncertain times and now – more than ever – it's important for ministers and firms to work together to navigate the best path to protect UK growth and living standards.”