Facing the challenge of opposition

May 19 2010 by Andrew Sugden, The Journal

IF a week is a long time in politics then the last fortnight has been an era. For the first time in 90 years we have a peacetime coalition Government. To achieve it we have witnessed a series of unexpected surprises and compromises from both the Conservative and Lib Dem teams. And of course, we are now only at the beginning of a complete overhaul of the Labour Party leadership.

In the North East over half our MPs are new, yet our representation in Westminster, by party, has changed the least of any of the English regions. And that means we have 86% of our region’s MPs in opposition – a considerable challenge when achieving influence on a Government in addressing the current economic circumstances.

But influence it we must. We have a tremendous opportunity to capitalise on the recovery – creating jobs and wealth as our existing industries witness a resurgence and new ones, particular those in the so-called green economy, begin to grow apace.

That’s why NECC has set out to the Prime Minister and key members of his team the policies that we feel are crucial in ensuring a solid and long-lived economic recovery.

A supportive business environment and economic policy that is geared to stimulating growth will be crucial. As will the handling of the inevitable cuts facing the public sector. With almost one in three of those employed in the North East working for the public sector the ‘savage cuts’ trailed by our new Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, just a few months ago could be devastating.

Second, we must do all we can to ensure that the infrastructure that supports our economy – those essential transport, communications and energy connections – is not allowed to wither and is instead enhanced to maximise the economic opportunity.

Alongside we need to improve the performance of economy by investing in skills, capitalising on new products and markets at home and overseas, and giving those choosing to start businesses as much support as possible.

Lastly, we need to remove the barriers to effective economic growth through challenging ineffective and punitive tax.

Andrew Sugden is director of membership and policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce