Queen’s Speech

Commenting on the legislative programme announced in today’s Queen’s speech, Chris Fletcher, Deputy Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Chamber, said: “Businesses will welcome the plans to clamp down on bonuses for bankers who take too many risks. There needs to be more focus on lending to sound businesses and less on the so-called roulette side of the banking system.

“The funding for universal broadband by 2012 is also welcome as the UK needs faster broadband speeds if we are to compete in the global economy in the years ahead. However, it must be at an adequate speed for the needs of business not only now but in the future.

“It was also good to hear support for high-speed rail, as improvements to the rail infrastructure are vital for future prosperity.

“However, as we are only months away from a General Election, the Government doesn’t have much time to get all of its legislative programme through.”