Politicians needs to focus on long-term prosperity

With just days to go until the general election on May 7, business should be concerned.

John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), wrote to UK party leaders in December with a call from business for them to act responsibly during the election campaign, and put the UK's long-term success over political tactics and point-scoring.

All of the major parties responded with a clear commitment to act in the interests of the economy and growth.

With only a few days left in this campaign, it is clear that politicians are not delivering on their promises, so the BCC have written to them again:

"While there are some encouraging statements and positive ideas in manifestos, on the campaign trail it seems strategic vision and evidence-led policy announcements have been left on the bus. In their place we've had tactical headline-chasing and lazy assumptions; a reliance on populist statements, not economic common sense; and niche policy announcements, rather than a focus on the fundamentals.

"Worryingly, the parties are also taking it in turns to propose new interventions in markets. These measures simply serve to side-step regulators and experts, rather than strengthening their hand.

"Parties are competing to make ever more strident pledges to freeze taxes and ring-fence spending for the life of the next Parliament, without being able to see very far down the economic road ahead. No well-run business would tie its hands in this way.

"And, dishearteningly, we also have policy proposals that, if enacted, would undermine entrepreneurship, aspiration and business growth. We have heard ideas to raid pension savings, create new levies on companies, and limit the tax relief available for genuine wealth creators and small investors, to name but a few.

"Constraining those willing to take the risks needed to grow businesses demonstrates a lack of leadership. It is counter-productive and deeply troubling."

Businesspeople want to see a clear vision for future success in an ever more competitive and dangerous world. Our shared prosperity depends on it.

At Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, we regularly challenge politicians to confirm what experience they have outside politics and the answer always seems to be "too little".

Sadly, a lack of understanding about the real world which most of us inhabit is having an all too visible impact on the quality and tone of this disappointing election.

We should expect more from those who would seek to lead us.

- Robert Collier is chief executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce