Business leaders respond to snap General Election announcement
In response to Prime Minister Theresa May’s announcement of her plans to call a General Election on Thursday 8 June, Stephen Martin (director general of the Institute of Directors) and Carolyn Fairbairn (director general at the CBI) have offered their views on the surprise decision.
Stephen Martin commented: “Businesses are having to become used to being buffeted by the changing winds of politics at the moment, and will just have to endure yet another campaign. This must be used as a chance to properly debate what leaving the EU means for the long-term future of the UK, including how we continue to bring in the skills employers need.”
Martin added: “While Brexit will inevitably dominate the campaign, there are also much wider questions that need to be addressed on the changing nature of business and work, automation and our ageing society. These cannot be ignored in the run-up to June 8. The ‘business voice’ must be heard in this crucial discussion.”
Carolyn Fairbairn observed: “With a snap General Election now called, businesses will be looking to each political party to set out their plans to support economic stability and prosperity over the next Parliament in a way that’s fair and sustainable for communities right across the UK. Distraction from the urgent priorities of seeking the best EU deal and improving UK productivity must be kept to an absolute minimum.”