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No time to waste, FSB warns

THE regional head of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has called for a swift conclusion to the uncertain situation at Westminster.

The Tories remained locked in talks with the Liberal Democrats this morning as they look to thrash out terms for a coalition government.

FSB regional organiser David Longstaff said: “A hung parliament is far from ideal for small businesses particularly in the current climate. Never has it been so important that the voices of our North East businesses were heard and that said small businesses were provided with strong Governmental support.

“Therefore we would strongly urge the party leaders to do all that is possible to come to a swift conclusion when dealing with the issue of who will move the country and the economy forward.”

Meanwhile, manufacturing industry body EEF has also urged all political parties to come to agreement as a matter of urgency to remove political uncertainty and reassure markets and business that it has a clear plan to reduce the deficit.

The organisation described the situation as critical, given the growing turmoil in financial markets over public sector deficits.

As a matter of urgency the new government of whatever combination must act immediately on the following priorities:

Regional director Alan Hall, said: “The clock is now ticking on action to get our economy going again and tackle the crisis in our public finances.

“Manufacturers will fear that a political impasse and a failure by all parties to come together will stall this and risk damaging our economy.

“We need to see political maturity and courage to face up to the tough decisions which are necessary. Business and the markets will be looking for immediate and decisive action. This must include a clear plan for how and when we will reduce the public deficit and the modernisation of our tax system to rebalance the economy and promote investment.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .