Delivering Growth Must Be Priority Number One 

17th July 2026

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, responds to Andy Burnham’s first speech as Leader of the Labour Party

Responding to Andy Burnham’s first speech as Leader of the Labour Party, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

“The British Chambers of Commerce would like to congratulate Andy Burnham on his successful election as Leader of the Labour Party. 

“We stand ready to work in partnership with his new government to deliver the right changes to create the economic prosperity we all depend upon.   

“A pro-business stance, a focus on education and giving more power to the regions are all welcome. 

“But there are hard yards ahead and the time available to make a difference is limited. 

“If Burnham is serious about delivering growth across all parts of our economy, then he must be unequivocal in his backing for business.  

“Firms will want to see swift action that shows the new Government understands the cost pressures they face and is willing to work with them to cut that burden.  

“There can be no room for error. Previous missteps, such as the rise in National Insurance Contributions, have undermined much of the current government’s good work by severely denting business confidence. 

“Successive governments have piled too much additional cost on firms when external economic shocks were already making life difficult. This must change. Any further tax rises for business would be ruinous. 

“Fiscal devolution must also see money spent in the right way, to boost growth, and business must be involved in that conversation. Chambers are rooted in their communities and are perfectly placed to help shape that delivery.”