Business groups give cautious welcome to new coalition
Business groups have given a wary welcome to the appointment of the new prime minister, David Cameron, and his intention to form a coalition government between his party and the Liberal Democrats. David Frost, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: "We look forward to working with the new coalition government during a critical time for the economy. We will judge the new administration on the basis of what it does to promote business recovery across the UK. The BCC wants to see the delivery of a clear and achievable plan for business over the first 90 days of a new administration - a plan that puts business growth at the centre stage." Richard Lambert, the director general of the CBI, said: "The agreement between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to form the next government is welcome news. Business wants to see a stable government with the authority to take the tough decisions that will be required to keep the economic recovery on track and to get a grip on the fiscal deficit. This coalition should have the votes and the mandate to get on with the job." Miles Templeman, director-general of the Institute of Directors, said: "The key test facing the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats is whether they can maintain a stable government over a significant period of time that delivers large cuts to public spending now, and whether they can generate policies across all areas that genuinely support business growth."