Hughes Calls For Second Chamber At City Hall For London Businesses

11.02.16am GMT Tue 18th Nov 2003

Simon Hughes will today call for a second chamber for businesses at City Hall to ensure that the interests of London firms tie in to decisions made by the Mayor.

Speaking at the CBI Conference today (Tuesday, 18th November) Mr Hughes will announce his idea for a consultative chamber for business at City Hall that would be made up of 25 members of the London business world to scrutinise policy decisions. The chamber would be made up of the self employed, small businesses, management and workforce of London firms.

Mr Hughes said:- "For too long the current Mayor of London has ignored the views of firms of all sizes and how his policies affect the way the capital does business."

"London is the lifeblood of Britain. By bringing together those who know how to get the best from business on a formal basis, we will make sure we can encourage firms to come to the capital."

"The Mayor of London can learn from businesses and look at ways to improve growth, increase stability and reduce bureaucracy for firms operating in the capital."

"Getting more firms to come to London would get the unemployment rate down and get London working. As London Mayor I would introduce the consultative chamber so that London can become the best place in Britain for companies to do business."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Mr Hughes will be speaking in a Q&A session at the CBI conference on Tuesday 18th November 2003 at 09.10.