“If we want a fairer society we need a stronger economy” – Balls and Umunna to speak at British Chambers of Commerce Conference

Tomorrow Ed Balls, Shadow Chancellor and Chuka Umunna, Shadow Business Secretary, will both address the British Chambers of Commerce Annual Conference.

This comes after a tumultuous couple of weeks for Labour and some in the business community, following attacks of the party’s policies from the likes of Boots boss Stefano Pessina and former Marks and Spencer CEO Stuart Rose (who’s also a Tory peer).

Moving on from this, Balls will refocus attention on the EU – an area where Labour poll well among business leaders. He’ll stress how damaging an exit from the EU would be for the economy, saying:

“Britain has always succeeded and can only succeed in the future as an open trading nation, backing wealth creation and winning investment and attracting companies and talent from around the world… To walk away from Europe – our biggest trading market – would be a disaster for Britain.

“Britain must lead the debate for reform in the EU. Banging the table for change and for the EU to work better for Britain. But not flirting with exit and putting party interest above the national economic interest.

“Because Britain walking out of the EU is the biggest risk to our economy in the next decade. EU exit risks British jobs, trade and investment and the future prosperity of the UK.

“And every comment by senior Cabinet Ministers saying they would be happy or relaxed to see us walk out, and every hint that a referendum could happen as early as next year – before any meaningful reform agenda could be achieved – only adds to the uncertainty and risk for British businesses.”

He’ll then go out to outline how most in the country are now worse off than they were in 2010 and stress that Labour would ensure that the tax system is fair for entrepreneurs

Umunna will also speak at the conference, to outline how Labour would help businesses across the country succeed. This is assumedly as part of an effort to make it clear that Labour are not anti-business, as they have been painted in recent weeks. He’ll say:

“My party was established to build a fairer Britain. And I’ve always argued that if we want a fairer society we need a stronger economy – with more higher skilled, better paid, secure jobs. It is you – our businesses – that will create these jobs.  Any debate on building a fairer society is academic unless there are businesses creating wealth.

“We need you to succeed: to add to our nation’s bottom line and pay our way in the world.  To help fund our public services and drive growth – from Cornwall to Cumbria, East Anglia to Aberdeen.  To seize the vast opportunities of the global economy, and create the jobs of the future. 

“I can assure you of this. We will work every day, strain every sinew, to make your lives that bit easier: easier to do business; easier to export; easier to create jobs; easier to succeed. 

“Our exporters are national heroes, and you deserve the very best of support.  That’s why I’m delighted the Chairman of AgustaWestland – Graham Cole – is leading an independent review for Ed Miliband, Ed Balls and me on how to create the world class service you deserve. 

“We want the same things so common cause has united us, and common purpose has driven us, like on establishing a proper British Investment Bank and sorting out the way our banks serve our businesses – a key priority of the BCC. I’m grateful to you for facilitating the consultation we did on that issue with your members right across Britain.”