The Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business says David Chalmers
The Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business says David Chalmers, Liberal Democrat candidate for Torridge and West Devon
Speaking after visiting a successful local geochemical consulting firm providing highly skilled jobs in Bideford, David Chalmers said:
"Entrepreneurial businesses like this show that Torridge and West Devon can be at the forefront in a world of innovation-led enterprise.
The Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business. We want more well-run businesses that thrive, that pay their taxes, and that help us address the country's long-term challenges, such as climate change. But we also know that for business to succeed we need to provide the infrastructure - such as high speed broadband - and the support for them to grow.
There is a danger that we treat this General Election as "business as usual". But what is at stake will affect our country for decades to come. Because the choice is between a hard Brexit government or a hard-left government. Both these extreme options gamble with our economic future and our livelihoods.
The Lib Dems have a long-term vision for a vibrant, outward-facing economy, powered by innovative business.
We want a country that is open to the world instead of retreating from it. And an economy that pursues the opportunities of the 21st century, not different versions of the past.
To achieve this, we need to invest a lot more throughout our economy, and Research and Development is particularly vital.
For too long, the UK has lagged behind our counterparts in R&D investment. For the last five years, R&D has been stuck at 1.7% of GDP whilst our key competitors Germany and the USA are close to 3%.
That's why as part of our £130 billion investment programme, the Liberal Democrats will launch a £17 billion research fund. Furthermore, we will:
- Build on the industrial strategy developed by Liberal Democrat ministers in government, working with sectors which are critical to the UK's ability to trade internationally, creating more innovation and technology centres and backing private investment in particular in zero-carbon and environmental innovation.
- Develop the skilled workforce needed to support this growth by introducing a new two-year visa for students to work after graduation and a major expansion of high-quality apprenticeships including Higher Apprenticeships, backed up by new sector-led National Colleges.
- Create enterprise zones to grow and regenerate the cultural output of areas across the UK.
With this transformative plan, we will leverage our competitive strengths and revitalise the local economy of Torridge and West Devon. Liberal Democrats are the natural party of business."