Three key MPs from the region will be quizzed by business
leaders at a General Election debate organised by Birmingham
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCI).
Lorely Burt (Solihull, Liberal Democrat), Caroline Spelman
(Meriden, Conservative) and Gisela Stuart (Edgbaston, Labour) will
be part of the free event sponsored by Aston Business School at the
Lakeside Conference Centre at Aston University on Friday, April 16
(5.15pm).
BCI head of policy Katie Teasdale said: "This major interactive
business event offers the chance to hear from leading Members of
Parliament debate what their party will do for business should they
be elected."
The BCI has launched its 2010 General Election Manifesto,
Delivering for Birmingham and Solihull Businesses, in advance of
the debate.
The manifesto captures the measures Birmingham and Solihull
businesses believe will deliver private sector growth and create
jobs and wealth in the West Midlands. It makes clear Birmingham and
Solihull's business priorities for the next Government,
including:
• Cancellation of the one per cent rise in National
Insurance Contributions scheduled for April 2011
• Support for employers to retain apprentices and a
reduction in the bureaucracy associated with hiring new
apprentices
• Improvements to skills support to ensure it is demand-led
and really meets the needs of local businesses
• Extension of the runway at Birmingham International
Airport
• Development of a high speed rail network serving both
Birmingham city centre and Birmingham International Station
• Introduction of innovative funding mechanisms for crucial
infrastructure development
• Expansion of Quick Wins to reduce road congestion
Ms Teasdale added: "It also urges all political parties to work
with the Chamber to identify public sector efficiencies and makes
clear the need to protect investment in vital business support
services, including UKTI which helps businesses in our region to
export all over the world."
The Chamber has already met a number of leading politicians to
discuss the manifesto, including Lord Andrew Adonis, Secretary of
State for Transport and Shadow Chancellors George Osborne MP and Dr
Vince Cable MP.
To register for the debate, sponsored by Aston Business School,
which will be followed by networking, wine and a buffet visit
www.abs.aston.ac.uk/events . For more information, contact Katie
Teasdale, Head of Policy, at k.teasdale@birminghamchamber.org.uk or
on 0121 450 4204.