Chamber calls on Theresa May to deliver unity, clarity and strong leadership
BUSINESS leaders in Greater Birmingham have welcomed the swift accession of Theresa May to 10 Downing Street.
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce chief executive Paul Faulkner said a quick resolution to the issue of David Cameron’s successor was vital to help bring stability to the economy.
He is now urging Mrs May to deliver unity and strong leadership when she officially takes the reins later today.
“We welcome the swift decision made in light of Andrea Leadsom’s withdrawal from the leadership race,” he said.
“Like many across the country, we have been calling for unity, clarity and strong leadership in recent weeks.
“Now we have clarity on who our next Prime Minister will be, it will be up to Theresa May to deliver unity – both in Parliament and across our communities – and the strong leadership our nation needs.
“As we’ve undergone a period of political change near unprecedented in modern times, it’s easy to forget that the referendum result was only announced a mere 20 days ago.”
He said the chamber would urge those calling for a quick General Election to pause and take stock first.
“We need both the Government and the opposition to be in a position where they can clearly set out their stalls on their vision and priorities for the UK during negotiations and post-Brexit before it can be a helpful exercise,” he added.
“More than that, we need a period of stability and certainty to help set the course of the UK’s future. That being said, there are questions we need urgent answers to.”
Mr Faulkner said it was important for Mrs May to deliver clarity on a host of key issues such as the long-term rights of EU nationals living in the UK.
“Almost 200,000 EU nationals live in the West Midlands region,” he added. “They, and the businesses which employ many of them, need swift confirmation of their long-term residence rights as soon as possible to end the uncertainty they are living and working in.
“In addition, we would welcome further affirmation that critical housing road, rail, energy and digital schemes, whether regional or national in scope will push ahead as planned.”
