The Government remains half-hearted over jobs and growth – we need action not repetition of the same old promises, according to Institute of Directors West Midlands chairman John Rider.
John Rider chairman IoD WM
And, commentating on the Queen’s Speech, he expressed major disappointment for the region at the failure to include HS2 high speed rail.
Mr Rider said: “Despite their protestations I remain unconvinced that the Coalition has yet truly ‘got it’ on the economy.
“On the day Clinton Cards went into administration, threatening 8,000 livelihoods, there was no mention of young people, jobs or extra support for the regions.
“Unemployment remains a major problem, we are technically back in recession and the Euro crisis is blowing up once again. These are the issues which must be addressed, virtually to the exclusion of everything else.
“They are still trying to do too much on the periphery – Lords reform is not a priority for the vast majority of our citizens.
“The Coalition needs to focus on the economy, but keeps allowing itself to be distracted.”
HS2, he said, could get the vital construction industry up and running again.
“It is a real disappointment that HS2 was not included. That will now likely put it back from 2026. So to some extent they are paying lip service to it.
“The construction industry is in the doldrums. Big infrastructure schemes like this are key to getting it going and creating jobs.”
Mr Rider continued: “The Government is right to place deficit reduction and economic stability at the forefront of their programme. However, we need to see them pursued enthusiastically in practice, not just in principle. Tweaking the edges of the system will not be enough – it’s not the number of Bills that matters, it’s what is in them that really counts. The acid test is how many jobs will be created as a direct result of the proposed Bills.”
And he added: “After the disappointing turnout at the local elections last week the Queen’s Speech is not likely to encourage the electorate to engage in politics.”