UK election 2005 - Business & economy
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Business urges government to rule out tax rises
Within hours of Tony Blair’s historic victory, business leaders urged the new government to reduce regulation on enterprise and rule out further tax rises on business.
Economic fears for the next four years
A long list of risks to consumption, even if overall economic growth is fine, threatens to overshadow Labour's third term.
The Short View: Investors should be cautious about the election result
The UK markets have taken Labour’s third successive election victory in their stride. But it would be a mistake for investors to be too sanguine, writes investment editor Philip Coggan.
Pound ticks lower as Labour majority narrows
British assets suffered little in the wake of the Labour government’s reduced majority on Friday, although the pound encountered a mild sell off.
Figuring out role of migrant workers
As both Labour and the Conservatives promise curbs, Andrew Taylor looks beyond the populist images of foreign employees to assess their impact on the economy.
Journey fees could replace road tax in UK
A national system of road pricing that would replace taxes on motorists with charges for each journey could be approved halfway through a third Labour term, the transport secretary said.
Farmers say red tape is biggest worry
Farmers are warning that government red tape and reform of the Common Agricultural Policy are their biggest concerns in the run-up to polling day on Thursday.
Related content and features
Sir Christopher Gent
Tax reform is crucial for Britain
For the 20 per cent of lowest earners, their tax burden leaves little room for anything beyond essential day-to-day spending, writes Sir Christopher Gent, chairman of the advisory board of Reform.
Digby Jones
Bold promises alone will not sway business
Any new government must commit itself not to increase business taxation in the short term and to reduce the burden in the medium term, writes Digby Jones, director-general of the CBI.
Comment
Martin Wolf: Brown deserves more time
The economic record is at the heart of the UK government's campaign for re-election. So how successful has Gordon Brown been as chancellor? Pretty successful, must be the answer. But there are noteworthy challenges ahead.
The business vote
The City should vote Conservative
There are concerns that the national accounts have deteriorated sharply over the past four years, with borrowing £80bn higher than forecast, writes Howard Flight, former deputy chairman of the Conservative party.
Letter to the FT
Tories have best plans to reduce the red tape burden
From 67 business leaders. Sir, The strength of the British economy depends on British business being competitive. The reason we support the Conservatives is because they have a much clearer policy for achieving just this.
Letter to the FT
Business has boomed under the Labour party
From 63 business leaders. Sir, The general election campaign offers the business community a unique opportunity to focus on the choice that is before the electorate regarding the future strength and dynamism of the UK economy.
Business groups’ wishlists
Regulatory reform a priority
Regulatory reform, a competitive tax regime and improved skills and training are some of the areas that have emerged as key priorities for businesses in this election. Read the wishlists of some of the UK’s leading employers’ groups.
The business vote
Election panel: View from the workplace
Six chief executives on our election panel share their views on regulation, tax, transport, skills shortages and who they are planning to vote for with FT business correspondent Jonathan Moules.
More election stories
