Our thinking

Business backs Labour

31 May, 2024

This week, more than 120 business leaders made headlines by signing a letter backing   Labour in the upcoming UK General Election. Signees included senior figures from household names such as Heathrow, JP Morgan, Aston Martin and Wikipedia, all asserting their belief that change is needed. It’s hard to disagree with that.  

But while we’ll be the first to commend companies for standing up for what is important to them, the letter left us wanting. What specific policies do these businesses want to see? Without concrete demands, support for the odds-on favourite incoming government who are yet to even release their party manifesto feels more symbolic than practical. Or is it enough for businesses to express a desire for change without knowing the answers they’re looking for?  

Additionally, with economic growth being the sole focus of the letter, it’s a shame that green growth didn’t form an integral part of the businesses’ hopes for the future. If businesses are serious about futureproofing our economy, policies which will enable a fair and equitable transition to net zero are essential. 

It’s encouraging to see businesses taking a stand, but we need more than just statements of support. Let’s hope these companies follow through with concrete actions and clear demands for the policies they want to see. 

By Budd Nicholson