North west business leaders have welcomed news of a pre-Christmas general election and urged politicians to use it as an opportunity to break the Brexit deadlock.
The 海角视频 is set to go to the polls on December 12 after MPs backed Boris Johnson’s call for an election.
The House of Commons approved legislation by a margin of 438 votes to 20, paving the way for the first December election since 1923.
Addressing Tory MPs afterwards at Westminster, Mr Johnson said he was prepared for a “tough” election fight in the weeks ahead.
“I think it’s time for the country to come together, get Brexit done and go forward,” he said.
In the north west, reaction to a winter election has mainly been positive and seen as a step towards breaking long-term uncertainty.
Chris Fletcher, campaigns director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Many will no doubt see this as an opportunity to break the Brexit deadlock in Parliament and as a way of potentially delivering a resolution to this issue.
“It is absolutely vital though that the election does not just become a quasi-second referendum, there is a lot more at stake on the result of this than what happens with Brexit.
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“Our members and ourselves have been critical of government since the referendum for basically ignoring key domestic economic and social policy issues and viewing all decisions through the lens of Brexit, soaking up resource, time and effort.
“The impact of this has been seen in our recent economic surveys and from what businesses are telling us on a day-to-day basis. It is less about Brexit and more about the day-to-day issues and lack of decisions being made that are frustrating them.
“We await to see and hear what the parties have in their manifestos. As regards our election ‘asks’ we have worked over the last few years with businesses, partners and other organisations across the spectrum to develop key activity on our ‘Future of Skills and Connectivity and Innovation for Growth’ campaigns and these will underpin our election work.
“We need a radical overhaul of skills, massive investment in infrastructure and more devolved powers and funding to continue to make sure the region can perform.
“This is a crucial and pivotal election and hopefully it will rebalance the next government’s priorities so whatever action is required can be quickly and effectively delivered and not lost in the quagmire of Brexit.”
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said the election offered a “one-off chance” to break the gridlock, which she says has “blighted” the country for over three years.
“It’s also an opportunity for all parties to present their visions for the 海角视频’s future,” she said.
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“By replacing ideology with evidence, the next government – working alongside business – can show the 海角视频 is a great place to invest, start and build a company.
“Passing a good deal with the EU is the first step. Then the real heavy lifting can begin, building a future relationship with our biggest trading partner based on regulatory alignment, frictionless trade and the 海角视频’s all-important services sector.
“Ending political instability will enable a renewed focus on domestic priorities, including education and infrastructure, which will transform the jobs and livelihoods of millions of people.
“Only by working together can politicians and business seize the opportunities ahead and overcome shared challenges, from technology to climate change.
“The prize is a more prosperous, sustainable and fairer United Kingdom for generations to come.”
Henry Brooks, founder of the Cheshire-based Tatton Group, which brings forward mixed-use developments delivering homes, jobs and communities, asked parties for real commitment to the north in their manifestos and a focus on delivering “a new, more domestically-focussed government”.
He said: “Our top three asks are led by investment in integrated sustainable transport infrastructure, especially Northern Powerhouse Rail and regional priorities like the Mid-Cheshire-Manchester Airport lines.
“We also want to see unlocking of growth with proper mixed-use communities around sustainable transport nodes that deliver net environmental gain, like the Bollin Valley Project.
“Finally, there has to be a focus on a truly first class education including additional, world class opportunities needed to meet the potential of the Northern Powerhouse.”
Karen Campbell-Williams, a partner at business advisers Grant Thornton in the north west, said: “Businesses will welcome the vote as the first step toward the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty that has overshadowed our economy.
“The impasse over Brexit, along with global slowdown in growth, is having a real impact.
“Although many businesses are still doing well, the dramatic fall, 56 per cent according to the OECD, in new foreign direct investment to Britain between the end of 2018 and the first half of 2019 is a real concern.
“Hopefully a new Government will have a clear mandate from the electorate. Britain needs to go forward and deal with the issues that matter to people - health, social equality, education and transport being chief among these.”
Dr Annette Bramley, director of the N8 Research Group, expressed concern that the awkward timing for the vast student population in north west cities would impact the turnout.
“It’s important everyone has a say and votes – which means being registered, if you are not already, by November 26. Students can register to vote at both home and term-time addresses, but can only vote in one location.
“It’s a simple matter to apply for a postal vote in a university constituency if they want to vote there. It would be a shame if the timing, near the end of term, with some travelling, impacted the turnout.”
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Warren Ward, director of policy and international trade at the Wirral Chamber of Commerce, said: “This general election is a real opportunity for the 海角视频’s political parties to set out a clear path on Brexit, to provide British businesses and communities with clarity on the manner of which we will leave the European Union.
“Avoiding a messy and disorderly Brexit must be a priority, but not the only priority.
“This is also an opportunity for 海角视频 politicians of all political persuasions to put forward their vision and plans for the future of the United Kingdom. The economy, investment in communities, reducing deprivation, preparing for the digital age are amongst many of the issues that need to be considered in this general election.
“There is an ever growing gap between our politicians and British businesses. At the end of the day, it is businesses that employ local people, create wealth and help shape communities. Politicians need to work closely with us and as a community, businesses need to ensure that their voice is being heard.”
Paul Dobson, property director for Millfield Estates, added: “I’m sure I’m speaking on behalf of many people here, when I say that we’re relieved that finally something is happening, after years of back and forth and uncertainty!
“Our biggest hope is that we can finally get a deal over the line after the election; but of course there will always be the concern that if another hung-parliament is returned which results in another stalemate this never ending cycle will continue, which will benefit nobody.”