Monday 13 November 2023

In response to today’s Cabinet reshuffle, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Head of Policy and Public Impact, James Watkins, said:

“We welcome James Cleverly as the new Home Secretary. James knows the capital from his time as a senior member of the London Assembly. We will urge the new Home Secretary to reform the visa policy so that the London arts scene can welcome musicians from around the world and to enable business people who are interested in investing in the country to visit London. We also will urge changes to cut down on business crime across the capital. Our survey found that 20% of London’s SMEs hit by crime lost up to £10,000. At the same time, 19% of large companies affected by crime in London had to bear a financial loss of up to £50,000”.

“The appointment of David Cameron as Foreign Secretary is a chance for a refreshed look at the Government’s Ukraine policy. Britain is leading the world in supporting Ukraine. The London Chamber is working with the Liverpool Chamber and other businesses so that we can support SMEs who are continuing to operate in Ukraine. Strong SMEs is critical for Ukraine’s defence and for its future and we will raise with the new Foreign Secretary what more which can be achieved to support this country by supporting small businesses in Ukraine”.

ENDS

About the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is London’s key hub for the business community, we support members’ businesses through a range of services, advocate on behalf of London’s business community in the most important forums of policy debate, and promote ‘Global London’ as the best city in the world to do business – whether that’s to trade, invest, learn, or find new commercial partners.

For more information, visit LCCI's website.

See here the work the chamber has done to support Ukraine.

Media contacts: 
Vittoria Zerbini - Media Assistant
E: vzerbini@londonchamber.co.uk