End the Cabinet in-fighting, say business chiefs

BUSINESS leaders yesterday urged the Government to stop squabbling and show competence and coherence.

As reports of infighting overshadowed the first day of the Tory conference, the British Chambers of Commerce urged the ruling party to pull together. Director general Adam Marshall said business was ‘growing impatient with division and disorganisation at the heart of the party of Government’.

He said industry ‘expected competence and coherence from ministers as we move into a critical period for the economy’.

‘Public disagreements between Cabinet ministers in recent weeks have only served to undermine business confidence, not just on Brexit negotiations, but also on the many issues where firms need to see clear action from government closer to home,’ he said.

He demanded action to cut the cost of doing business, build infrastructure, help firms plug increasing skills gaps, and to support investment and risk-taking.

The BCC represents tens of thousands of small and medium-sized companies that employ nearly six million people between them.