Post-election paralysis would be disaster forWelsh business
IT WAS a good result after an intense battle, where both sides can be pleased for having demonstrated flair and dogged determination, but with the occasional missed opportunity.
I am, of course, referring to the British & Irish Lions game on Saturday morning. Let’s hope it bodes well for the rest of the tour.
Of course, it wasn’t the only tense battle that we witnessed in recent days and since the events of Thursday night and Friday morning, there has been nonstop comment, speculation, appraisals, judgement and microscopic analysis of where we are, how we got here and where we are going next.
That was certainly my experience on Friday when speaking with colleagues and members across Wales.
I am not going to engage in a detailed post mortem – that’s certainly not my place, and from the Institute of Directors’ perspective, being politically neutral by our Royal Charter means that we do not engage in party politics, but rather stand up for our members and the business community on issues that matter to them. And this current situation matters greatly to our members and to the wider business community.
We will do our utmost to engage with the new Government as we do with the Government in Wales, but it has to be said that stability must now be the order of the day.
With the Prime Minister’s intention to govern as a minority, the Government must recognise that they have not earned a mandate to implement their manifesto in full. While Brexit and the forthcoming negotiations will be uppermost in their minds, we must also address long-term issues such as renewing the UK’s infrastructure, ensuring our education system keeps up with our international competitors and that the UK’s tax system is competitive and reflective of today’s economy.
To do this, it will be vital that the voice of business is listened to, in a way that was not always the case in this election.
Here in Wales, we must have a decision on Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon, and this will be a priority for the Secretary of State for Wales.
Business leaders will be aware that Parliaments without majorities are prone to point-scoring and squabbling. This must be avoided at all costs and both sides must now swallow their pride and work on a cross-party basis to deliver on the important issues.
The last thing business leaders need is Parliament in paralysis and the consequences of this for British and Welsh businesses, and for the UK as a destination, would be severe.
My advice for the new Government and, of course, the British & Irish Lions is: “Best foot forward, play as a team, listen to advice, learn from your mistakes and move at pace and do us proud.”
Robert Lloyd Griffiths is director of IoD Wales.